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how to change a light switch

Getting Started

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Today, my wonderful husband taught me how to change some old switches and outlets in our home. I don’t know about you, but I LOVE to learn how to do these kind of things on my own! I documented my switch-changing skills, and am showing YOU how to do it YOURSELF. You can do it!!  

**Here’s what you’ll need: a screwdriver (flat and phillips), needle nose pliers, electrical tape (maybe), a wire stripper, new switch, and new wall plate.

Here’s what my switch looked like before, and then the new one:

light switch

Step by Step Instructions

First, TURN THE POWER OFF TO THE SWITCH!!!!!

light switch

Unscrew the switch from the wall box:

light switch

Gently, pull the switch unit out from the wall:

light switch

Unscrew screws where the wires are attached:

light switch

Pull wires off of old switch: (Wow..mine were so old..covered in fabric insulation! Yikes) Use needle nose pliers to loosen easier:

light switch

I have old fabric casing, so if you do too, you must wrap each wire in electrical tape. If new wires were uncovered, then skip this step:

light switch

Attach wires to screws on side of new switch. The curve of the end of the wire should be placed on new screw, in the same direction that you will tighten the screw (clockwise). But, it doesn’t matter which wire goes on which screw:

light switch

Tighten the screws down snug, but not too tight, which may damage the wires:

light switch

Try to keep wires in back of switch from touching as you tuck them inside the wall box:

 

light switch

Gently place switch back into wall box:

light switch

Screw top and bottom screws into wall box:

light switch

Recheck power by re-TURNING ON POWER to switch. Does it work? Then proceed… If not, a wire may have come detached..and recheck…

light switch

Screw on new switch wall plate:

light switch

Stand back & rejoice! You did it! Whew! Great job!

light switch

Now that you’ve done a switch, you are ready to change an outlet too! See how here!

Joy2Sew

Joy2Sew is a sewing business specializing in bridal alterations, custom costume creations, sewing lessons, and pdf patterns for children's costumes.

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