Dec 06 2008
Step by step instructions for replacing a light switch.
NOTE! PLEASE READ AND REREAD STEP ONE, ELECTROCUTION IS NOT FUN EVEN IF IT DOESN’T KILL YOU!!!
1.)Stop! It is very important to make sure the circuit you are going to be working on is off, dead, has no power! Go to your breaker / fuse box and turn off or disable the circuit you will be working on!
2.)Using a insulated handle screw driver, carefully remove the face plate retaining screw / screws, (counter clockwise).
3.)Carefully remove the face plate by pulling it straight out.
4.)At this point before touching anything inside, again check that the circuit is dead, use a multi meter if you have one. If you followed step one you should be good to go, but it never hurts to double check, better safe than sorry!
5.)Remove the switch retaining screws (counter clockwise), most common there will be 2, one at the top and one at the bottom.
6.)Pull the switch straight out, being careful not to kink or force the attached wires!
7.)Note the position and location of the attached wires, mark them with tape or draw a diagram on paper, they must be replaced on the new switch exactly as you see them. This is a very important step, don’t skip it, you get the wires crossed and you could end up with a dead short and a possible fire!!!
8.)Remove the wires from the old switch. If the switch has screw lugs, just use a screw driver (counter clockwise), if you find the wires seem to be just stuck in, there are spring clip release holes in the back for each wire. Insert a paper clip or similar item and then pull on the wire.
9.)To replace the new switch, make sure to orientate it correctly, OFF should be down. Now just follow the above steps in reverse. You might have to fiddle with the wires a bit to get the new switch to mount correctly, just make sure you don’t loosen them in the process.
Congratulations you have just replaced your first light switch.
