How to Replace a Wall Switch

A wall switch lets you turn on and off connected powered devices.wall switch There are many different types of electrical switches in use around homes today, from basic single-pole options to smart lighting and home automation choices. Choosing and installing the right wall switch can help you add efficiency, functionality and style to your home decor.

Before attempting to replace an existing switch, make sure that you can actually benefit from it by troubleshooting the circuit first.wall switch For example, if a light switch isn't working, you might have an underlying problem such as a tripped breaker or a dead fuse. If you can't find any other problems, or if you still need to replace your switch, be sure to follow the safety precautions below.

If the problem with your switch is caused by loose wire connections, you'll need to fix those before replacing your switch. To do this, shut off the power to the circuit in your breaker box, then remove the old switch from the electrical box and disconnect its wires from their terminal screws. Most switches have screw terminal connections, which you can easily loosen with a screwdriver. Some switches have push-fit connection ports, which require inserting a small nail or screwdriver into release slots to disconnect the wires. When you remove the old switch, mark the location of each wire in the terminal screws on its backside so that you know where to connect them to your new switch when you reinstall it.

After the loose wire connections are tightened, reconnect the black and white wires to their respective terminals on the new switch. Then, connect the grounding wire (if your wiring has one) to the green screw terminal on the switch body or to a bare copper grounding wire attached to the metal wall box in which your switch is installed. Next, screw the new switch into the electrical box, replace its cover and switch plate, then turn your power back on at the breaker and test your new switch.

If you aren't a skilled DIYer, you might want to consider hiring an electrician for your switch replacement project. It can be a dangerous job to handle live wires, and even experienced electricians sometimes run into circuit wiring problems that aren't easy to diagnose and fix. It is also important to remember that electrical switches present a fire hazard when they're worn out or not properly installed. Electricians are trained to check for and repair all possible hazards when installing or replacing electrical switches.