Installing or replacing an electrical switch is an easy do-it-yourself project. Taking on this task by yourself, rather than calling in an electrician will save your money and will help you increase your confidence for doing additional homeowner electrical repairs.
Generally, Electrical Switches can be replaced for several reasons.
1. Electrical Switches may wear out due to their frequent use, either they don’t work or they give off sparks. A switch that gives off sparks, is a shock and fire hazard, it should be replaced immediately.
2. Replacing an electrical switch for better functionality is yet another reason, options like timer switches, dimmers, central lighting controls, and motion-sensing switches etc. give better control and operational efficiency.
3. Design and Appearance can be another reason for switch replacement in which older switches are replaced with newer switches to add a contemporary look to a room.
Safety first :
Before working on electrical switches or appliances, shut off its power circuit—never work on an energized circuit.
✔ If an electrical switch doesn’t work, first make sure whether the problem is with the switch or the light or the device it’s supposed to power. Put a new light into the light fixture or plug a working lamp or other appliance into the switch-controlled receptacle to make sure the switch is faulty.
✔ When you replace an electrical switch, check its Ampere and Voltage ratings on the back of the old switch. The new switch should have the same ratings.
Tools you will Need :
- A New Electrical Switch
- Cover plate
- Non-contact voltage tester
- Cutting pliers
- Utility knife
- Cable ripper
- Wire strippers
- Wire connectors (wire nuts)
- Needle nose pliers
- Screwdriver
- Insulation tape
Step: 1
Shut down the power to the electrical switch, remove the plastic faceplate and unscrew the existing switch from the electrical box using a screwdriver. Pull the switch outward without touching any wires. Use an electrical tester to check the wires that go to the existing switch, so you can be sure that they are not active.
Step: 2
Once you’re sure about the power is off to the switch, remove the existing switch from its wires using the screwdriver. If the wires are connected to terminal screws, unhook the wires by turning the screws counterclockwise. If the wires are pushed into terminal holes, push a flat-bladed screwdriver into the slot next to the screw connection holes to release the wires.
Step: 3
Straighten or clip off the edges of the circuit wires you will be connecting to the switch. If the wire ends are not stripped, use wire strippers to remove 1/2-inch of insulation from the wire ends.
Step: 4
Now, loosen the grounding terminal screw on the switch, loop the bare grounding wire from the circuit into it using needle nose pliers, and lock the wire in place by tightening the screw.
Note:
If the electrical switch has its own grounding wire, then twist the bare end together with the circuit’s grounding wire using lineman pliers, and secure it with a copper compression sleeve or wire nut.
Step: 5
Loop the circuit wires clockwise around the terminal screws and tighten the screws, if the switch has terminal screws, If the switch has push-in terminal holes in the back, make sure that insulation is stripped from 1/2 inch of the end of each circuit wire, straighten each tip by using lineman’s pliers, and push the wires into the terminal holes. Wriggle all the wire connections to make sure they are secure.
Note:
If the new switch has short wires, twist together the bare end of the ground wire clockwise with the circuit’s bare ground wire by using use lineman’s pliers, and then secure the connection using a wire nut. Then join the ends of the switch’s wires to the circuit wires, twisting clockwise, and secure them with wire nuts. Wriggle the wires to make sure the connections are secure.
Step: 6
Mount the new electrical switch right side up. First, you should fold the wires behind the switch and carefully push the switch into the box. Align the electrical switch vertically by adjusting the screws in the mounting slots. Make sure that the switch is flush with the wall. If it isn’t, then shim it out using the break-off portions of the switch’s plaster ears or use special washers used for shimming purposes and screw the switch to the box.
Step: 7
Screw the faceplate to the switch and turn on the circuit, that's it.
Note: If the light still doesn’t work, then there is a problem in the wiring or the light fixture. If you are unsure about possible reasons or in doubt about the installation procedure itself - please contact your local electrician.