Replace a worn out light switch yourself.
You flip a wall switch in your home and nothing happens. The most likely cause is a fault in the switch that causes it to need replacement. You can call an electrician and wait for days, possibly weeks, and pay an expensive bill. Or you can make a trip to the nearest hardware or home improvement store for a few supplies and fix it yourself in less than 30 minutes.
Instructions
1. Cut off the flow of electricity to the current the switch is on by turning off the breaker at the main electrical panel that is located outside of your home, usually on a light pole. Post a sign to warn anyone else not to turn the breaker back on.
2. Remove the screws that hold the cover plate in place with a screwdriver and pull the cover off.
3. Set a voltmeter to the highest volt position available. Place each of the two test probes on one of the terminal screws that are located on the side of the light switch. If no reading is present, there is no electric current running to the switch and it is safe to work on.
4. Remove the top and bottom screw from the switch with a screwdriver and pull the switch away from the wall. Loosen the terminal screws 1/4 of an inch and remove the wires that are underneath.
5. Strip 3/4 inch of insulation from the end of each wire if necessary using wire strippers. Form the bare part of each wire into a hook shape.
6. Remove the replacement switch from the packaging and loosen the terminal screws. Hook the two black wires coming from the wall under each of the two side terminal screws and tighten the screws down. Place the bare or green ground wire under the green terminal screw that is on the top or bottom of the switch and tighten.
7. Wrap any exposed wire that is not covered in insulation with electrical tape to prevent arcing and thread wires back into the wall. Push the light switch into place and use the screws to hold it in place. Replace the switch cover.
8. Turn the breaker controlling the light switch back on and flip the switch to the on position to ensure it is now working correctly.
Tags: light switch, terminal screws, each wire, from wall, screwdriver pull
