If you have a fuse box, unscrew and remove the fuse controlling the circuit you are working on. ![]() Once you’ve found the correct breaker, flip it to the off position. This might take a few trips back and forth to the room to double check, and it’s always handy to have some help for this step. You first need to find the breaker or fuse that shuts off the circuit that you will be working on. Your project actually begins at the electrical supply panel, which is also commonly referred to as a breaker box or fuse box. But if you’re up for it, let’s get started. If you have any doubts about performing any of these tasks, you should call a licensed electrician to do the work. It’s also extremely important to carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. For information on how to replace a three or four way switch, see our list of Frequently Asked Questions specific to this video.īefore starting any electrical project, you need to know how to access your electrical service panel to turn off the electrical supply to the circuit you are working on to avoid getting shocked. Today, I’m going to show you how to replace a single pole light switch, while also giving you a lesson in electrical safety. Tug on all connections to make sure they are tight.There’s no better way to understand how an electrical circuit works than to replace a single pole light switch, whether it’s positioned along or at the end of the circuit. Bend the end of each wire into a C-shaped loop and wrap it around a screw terminal on the switch in a clockwise direction. If the wire end is in poor condition, trim off the bare end then strip about 3/4 inch of insulation, using wire strippers. ![]() It should have about 1/2 to 3/4 inch of bare wire at the end and should be formed into a hook-like loop. Inspect the end of each hot circuit wire. Pigtailing is also the method used to connect a metal electrical box to circuit grounding wires-a box pigtail isn't necessary with a plastic electrical box. If there are two grounding wires, then attach a grounding pigtail to the switch's grounding screw and join the pigtail to the circuit grounding wires with a wire connector. If the circuit has just a single grounding wire, then it can be attached directly to the switch's grounding screw. Install these according to the manufacturer's directions.Ĭonnect the green grounding screw on the switch to the circuit's bare copper or green grounding wires. Some "smart" switches, which can be controlled by smartphones and other wireless devices, require a neutral wire to maintain a wireless connection. Push-in connections are regarded as inferior by electricians, and it's best to use the screw terminal connections when you install the new switch. If your switch is connected via push-in wire connectors on the back of the switch, you can release the wires by pushing a small nail or screwdriver into the release slot next to the push-in connection. Loosen each screw terminal and remove the circuit wire. If there are other white wires in the box that are not connected to the switch, these are neutral circuit wires that are simply passing through the box they should be left as is. If it doesn't, you can add this tab during the replacement. In this instance, the white wire is being used as a hot wire, and it should be labeled as such with a tab of black or red electrical tape. If there is a white wire connected to the switch, you are probably looking at a switch loop configuration, where the switch is the last device in the electrical circuit. The switch terminals are interchangeable, so there is no need to identify which is which. The other may be black, red, or white, depending on how the age of the system and the location of the switch on the circuit, but it always serves as a hot wire in a switch configuration. One of these will likely be black or white, it is the feed wire from the power source. There should be one wire only under each screw terminal. Inspect and Disconnect the Switch Wiring.If you are replacing a dimmer-type switch, make sure to buy the proper replacement. ![]() Dimmer switches have larger bodies, and they are generally connected to the circuit with wire leads and connectors rather than screw terminals. If your switch is a dimmable type, it will have a much different appearance. The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board.
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