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| A standard wall switch –
technically, a single-pole switch – is a snap to
replace. There are just two screw terminals to worry
about. (Some types may have a third screw. It's for a
ground wire.) The most challenging part of this
project is making sure you orient the new switch so
you can see the word ON with the little lever pointing
up. |
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 Remove the
mounting screws holding the switch to the electrical box.
Holding the mounting straps, carefully pull the switch
from the box. Be careful not to touch any bare wires or
screw terminals until you've tested the switch for power. |
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 Test for
power by touching one probe of the circuit tester to the
grounded metal box or to the bare grounding wire and
touching the other probe to each screw terminal in turn.
If the tester glows, there's still power entering the box.
Turn off the correct circuit at the service panel before
proceeding. |
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 Double-check
the wire connections. The black wire should be on one
brass terminal, and the white wire, marked with a band of
black electrical tape to indicate that it's hot, should be
on the other. Disconnect the wires from the terminals, and
remove the switch. If the wires are broken or nicked, clip
off the damaged portion using a combination tool. Strip
the wires so there's about 3/4 inch of bare wire at each
end. |
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 Connect the
circuit wires to the proper screw terminals on the new
switch. Tighten the screws firmly but do not overtighten;
overtightening may strip the screw threads. Remember,
never screw more than one wire to a terminal; use a
pigtail connection instead. |
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 Remount the
switch, carefully tucking the wires inside the box. Be
careful not to break through the protective insulation on
the wires when pushing them into the box. Reattach the
switch cover plate, and restore power to the switch at the
main service panel. |
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RELATED PROJECTS
Installing a Dimmer Switch
Installing a Three-Way
Switch
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