Single Switch Plate
Replacing Light Switches
Replacing Light Switches
They just don’t make light switches like they use to. Haven’t you heard that one before! Well, it’s a fact in the case of light switches. You know when you need to replace a light switch when the switch simply does not turn on the light anymore or the light flickers when turning it on. Light switches that builders and electricians install in homes are the most inexpensive available on the market and their service life is about three years if the switch is located on a light circuit that is frequently used such as in kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. They cost less than a $1.00 each, whereby good quality light switches cost approximately $2.50 or more and will last for ten or more years.
Nearly every home owner needs to replace light switches from time to time. He can either do it himself or call an electrician that will charge you just about a $100.00 to change a light switch. This is a simple task that any home owner can perform with ordinary household tools.
Tools required:
- Long-nose pliers
- Voltage tester
- Wire strippers
- Wire cutters
Types of Electrical Switches:
There are three basic types of light switches used in homes:
a. Single-pole switch – which is the most common switch. It is identified by two wire terminals plus a ground wire. The toggle on a single-pole switch is clearly marked “On” and “Off”.
b. Three-way or four-way switch – this electric switch is not marked “On” and “Off” because it depends on the other switch (s) in the circuit as to it is “On” or “Off” being in an up or down position. They have three wire terminals plus a ground wire. This type of switch works in tandem with another three-way or four-way switch so power can be turned on and off from two or more different locations.
c. A Dimmer switch – this type of switch dims or raises the lighting level.
How to Replace the Light Switch
1. Remove power from the light switch by turning off the circuit breaker that feeds the switch. It may be labeled in the circuit breaker box, if not, turn the light switch on and off to ensure you have the correct circuit breaker. If the light goes out you have the correct breaker. If you are not positive check for voltage once the light switch wiring is exposed.
2. Remove the light switch cover.
3. Test for power using the voltage tester to insure that there is no power on the circuit.
4. Unscrew the two screws that hold the switch in the box and pull the switch out of the box.
5. Label each wire. If it is a single pole switch it has two black wires and a ground wire; green or bare copper. One of the black wires brings the current to the switch and the other takes the current from the switch to the light.
6. Loosen the terminal screws and pull off the wires. If the wires are attached to the switch by the “push in” connectors cut the wires from the switch as close to the switch as possible.
7. Remove the old switch and verify the new one is the same type.
8. Put the wires on the new switch terminals and tighten the terminal screws. If you had to cut the wires you will need to strip about ¾ of an inch of the wire insulation away and attach them to the new switch by the terminal screws or push the wires into the “push in” holes.
9. Install the new switch in the switch box by folding the wire into the box and replace the screws.
10.Ensure that no bare wire is contacting anything.
11.Replace the light switch cover.
12.Set the circuit breaker in the “On” position and test the new switch.
If the switch is a three-way or four-way switch there will be four wires; a black, red, and white, and a ground wire (green or bare copper wire) attached to the switch. Label the wires with a piece of tape before disconnecting them. Install the new switch in the same orientation as the old switch. Attach the wires to the switch and install the switch in the box. Install the cover plate and turn on the circuit breaker.
If the switch is a dimmer switch it could be a single pole or three-way switch. In either case it is wired just like the single pole and three-way switch above.
About the Author
Les Donovan has extensive experience in the DIY home improvement and repair business from basic and custom home construction, finish carpentry and landscaping. He offers DIY detailed suggestions for interior and exterior project to enhance your home and save you money. We can help you make your home your castle.
Minecraft Tutorial – Multiple Doors, Single Switch
|
|
Mr. Coffee MWBLK Mug Warmer $5.31 Trust Mr. Coffee to create this unique product. It’s like a special dock for your mug. Place you mug on this electric base and it’ll keep any beverage warm. From coffees, teas, chocolates, and toddies, use this mug warmer to help keep beverages warm – as you like it. It’s perfect for any fan of warm beverages. This Mug Warmer also makes a great gift to an appreciative friend or colleague…. |
|
|
Waring WMK300A Professional Stainless-Steel Belgian Waffle Maker $52.00 As far back as the 1400′s, the waffle has been a dessert or special bread enjoyed by the aristocracy. Early, over-the-flame waffle irons often bore the family’s crest as a design. The Belgian Waffle was first introduced to the USA at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, about 10 years after frozen waffles were invented. Belgian waffles were a big hit and became a preferred breakfast and brunch treat. S… |
|
|
Toastmaster Personal Coffee Mug and Warmer (TMMGW) $17.75 The Toastmaster TMMGW Electric Mug Warmer features an on/off Switch, indicator light, Hot Spot Technology, 12 oz. mug and uses a standard wall plug-in…. |
|
|
Switch Plate Single with Texas Longhorn / Chisholm Trail with Hand Finish $14.90 Single Switch plate With Texas Longhorn. Powder coated in Chisholm Trail (Brown) With Hand Finish. Screws included…. |
|
|
Single Switch with Cowboy / Chisholm Trail with Hand Finish $14.90 Single Switch With Cowboy / Chisholm Trail With Hand Finish… |
|
|
Purdue Light Switch Cover $8.99 … |
|
|
Remington S9520 Salon Collection Ceramic Hair Straightener with Pearl Infused Wide Plates, 2 Inch $29.99 Description:Combining advanced technology, high-performance ceramic coating, and real crushed pearls, the Remington T|Studio Pearl Ceramic 2-Inch Straightener delivers professional, salon-quality results with each use. It quickly reaches a top heat of 450 degrees Fahrenheit and has precise digital controls with temperature lock so you can enjoy smooth, silky hair in just minutes.Features: Pearl ce… |
|
|
Infiniti by Conair SS9 1 1/2 Nano Silver Steam Straightner, Red $42.99 Introducing the Infiniti Nano Silver Steam Straightener by Conair. Like electronics manufacturers who use state-of-the-art laboratories to develop new technologies, Conair® develops products for salon professionals before offering them to the public. A long tradition of innovation and technology testifies to our expertise. Case in point: the state-of-the-art ionic steam straightener. This ou… |
|
|
Remington S9500 Salon Collection Digital Ceramic Hair Straightener with Pearl Infused Wide Plates, 1 Inch $29.99 Hair Styling Made Easy Remington Professional Ceramic Hair Straightener is an easy-to-use straightening hair tool. This straightener locks in the natural moisture of the scalp. You get frizz free stylish hair within minutes. The fast heating flat iron cuts down the styling time. This flat iron is completely suitable for last minute touch ups. It has an automatic shut off mechanism and its lock m… |
|
|
Belkin 6 Outlet Surge Protector with USB $13.99 Voltage fluctuations, surges, and spikes can damage your computer and peripherals and degrade overall performance. The Belkin BV106050-CW Surge Protector safeguards your personal computer, printer, hard drives, modems, and other hard-to-replace equipment against damage, data loss, file corruption, and system crashes…. |
|
|
Single Rocker & Switch Plate $17.7 Single switch and rocker switch plate Solid brass Pictured in Satin Nickel |
|
|
Standard Single Switch Plate $11.3 Single standard switch plate Solid brass Pictured in Satin Nickel |
|
|
Single Rocker Switch Plate $11.3 Single rocker switch plate Solid brass Pictured in Satin Nickel |
|
|
Switch Plate w Single Switch & Double Outlet $17.7 Single switch and double outlet switch plate Solid brass Pictured in Satin Nickel |
|
|
Rocker Type Controls Single Switch Plate $18.94 Rocker Type Controls Single Switch Plate Boat Leveler Rocker Type Controls – SINGLE SWITCH PLATE |
|
|
Horseshoe Double Switch Plate $24.95 It’s the little details-like our rustic horseshoe switch plates-that take a room’s d?cor from ho-hum to extraordinary. A genuine horseshoe is affixed to each metal switch plate, finished in a textured barn red. Comes with matching screws. Single switch plate measures 4″W x 4 3/4″H; double switch plate is 4 1/2″W x 5″H. |
|
|
Stanley Hardware 805861 Single Switch Wall Plate, Antique Copper $6.49 Stanley Hardware 805861 Single Switch Wall Plate, Antique Copper Stanley Hardware 805861 Single Switch Wall Plate, Antique Copper Features: Single switch Stamped steel design Includes screws Antique Copper |
|
|
Single Switch Plate $4.24 Minimum order of 10 Pictured in Oil Rubbed Bronze 4.50 in. W (0.05 lbs.) |
|
|
Decorative Bear single switch plate cover $9.99 These switch plates and outlet covers feature our adorable and friendly black bears with the switch plate trimmed in branches. Each plate cover is cold cast from resin and hand painted. Comes with matching screws. Type: Home Accents |
|
|
Single Toggle Switch in Black $28.54 Switch plate has a rustic designBlack finish3.25 in. W x 5 in. H |
|
|
Corinthian Single Switch Plate in Antique Gold Finish $37.93 Vintage original Custom made by artisans unfortunately no returns allowed Enhance your dcor with this graceful switch plate Made in the USA Weight: 1 lb. |
|
|
Florentine Single Switch Plate in Gilt Silver Finish $37.93 Vintage original Custom made by artisans unfortunately no returns allowed Enhance your dcor with this graceful switch plate Made in the USA Weight: 1 lb. |
|
|
Pineapple Single Switch Plate in Napoleon Finish $37.93 Vintage original Custom made by artisans unfortunately no returns allowed Enhance your dcor with this graceful switch plate Made in the USA Weight: 1 lb. |
|
|
Pineapple Single Dimmer Switch Plate in Napoleon Finish $37.93 Vintage original Custom made by artisans unfortunately no returns allowed Enhance your dcor with this graceful switch plate Made in the USA Weight: 1 lb. |
|
|
Single Blank Switch Plate Cover $5.99 ELEGANT IMARI switch plates by Laura Doyle lend Asian elegance to your wall décor; beautifully complement our coasters and trivet. Counted cross stitch kits include 18-count white Aida cloth, cotton floss, needle, chart, acrylic cover, fusible backing, UL-listed foam, screws and directions. Single, 3 3/4″ x 5 3/4″; double, 5 3/4″ x 5 3/4″. Stitchery exclusives! |
|
|
Brass Accents M03-S3600-625 Chrome Contemporary Collection – Cast Contemporary Collection Single Toggle Switch Plate $10.54 Contemporary Single Switch |
|
|
Brass Accents M03-S3600-613 Oil Rubbed Bronze Contemporary Collection – Cast Contemporary Collection Single Toggle Switch Plate $10.54 Contemporary Single Switch |
|
|
Brass Accents M03-S3600 Pewter Contemporary Collection – Cast Contemporary Collection Single Toggle Switch Plate $13.02 Contemporary Single Switch |
|
|
Brass Accents M03-S3600-605 Polished Brass Contemporary Collection – Cast Contemporary Collection Single Toggle Switch Plate $6.2 Contemporary Single Switch |
|
|
Brass Accents M03-S3600-618 Polished Nickel Contemporary Collection – Cast Contemporary Collection Single Toggle Switch Plate $13.02 Contemporary Single Switch |
|
|
Brass Accents M02-S0600-609 Antique Brass Colonial Collection – Forged Colonial Collection Single Toggle Switch Plate $9.92 Colonial Single Switch |
|
|
Brass Accents M02-S0600-657 Antique Copper Colonial Collection – Forged Colonial Collection Single Toggle Switch Plate $12.4 Colonial Single Switch |
|
|
Brass Accents M02-S0600-625 Chrome Colonial Collection – Forged Colonial Collection Single Toggle Switch Plate $9.92 Colonial Single Switch |
|
|
Brass Accents M02-S0600-613 Oil Rubbed Bronze Colonial Collection – Forged Colonial Collection Single Toggle Switch Plate $9.92 Colonial Single Switch |
|
|
Brass Accents M02-S0600 Pewter Colonial Collection – Forged Colonial Collection Single Toggle Switch Plate $12.4 Colonial Single Switch |
|
|
Brass Accents M03-S3600-609 Antique Brass Contemporary Collection – Cast Contemporary Collection Single Toggle Switch Plate $10.54 Contemporary Single Switch |
|
|
Brass Accents M03-S3600-657 Antique Copper Contemporary Collection – Cast Contemporary Collection Single Toggle Switch Plate $13.02 Contemporary Single Switch |
|
|
Brass Accents M03-S3600-606 Satin Brass Contemporary Collection – Cast Contemporary Collection Single Toggle Switch Plate $10.54 Contemporary Single Switch |
|
|
Brass Accents M03-S3600-619 Satin Nickel Contemporary Collection – Cast Contemporary Collection Single Toggle Switch Plate $13.02 Contemporary Single Switch |
|
|
Brass Accents M03-S3600-613VB Venetian Bronze Contemporary Collection – Cast Contemporary Collection Single Toggle Switch Plate $13.02 Contemporary Single Switch |
|
|
Brass Accents M03-S3600-990 Verdigris Contemporary Collection – Cast Contemporary Collection Single Toggle Switch Plate $13.02 Contemporary Single Switch |
|
|
Brass Accents M03-S3600-622 Weathered Flat Black Contemporary Collection – Cast Contemporary Collection Single Toggle Switch Plate $10.54 Contemporary Single Switch |
|
|
Brass Accents M03-S3600-770 Weathered Rust Contemporary Collection – Cast Contemporary Collection Single Toggle Switch Plate $10.54 Contemporary Single Switch |
|
|
Brass Accents M02-S0600-618 Polished Nickel Colonial Collection – Forged Colonial Collection Single Toggle Switch Plate $12.4 Colonial Single Switch |
|
|
Brass Accents M02-S0600-606 Satin Brass Colonial Collection – Forged Colonial Collection Single Toggle Switch Plate $9.92 Colonial Single Switch |
|
|
Brass Accents M02-S0600-619 Satin Nickel Colonial Collection – Forged Colonial Collection Single Toggle Switch Plate $12.4 Colonial Single Switch |
|
|
Brass Accents M02-S0600-613VB Venetian Bronze Colonial Collection – Forged Colonial Collection Single Toggle Switch Plate $12.4 Colonial Single Switch |
|
|
Brass Accents M02-S0600-990 Verdigris Colonial Collection – Forged Colonial Collection Single Toggle Switch Plate $12.4 Colonial Single Switch |
|
|
Brass Accents M02-S0600-605 Polished Brass Colonial Collection – Forged Colonial Collection Single Toggle Switch Plate $5.58 Colonial Single Switch |
|
|
Brass Accents M02-S0600-622 Weathered Flat Black Colonial Collection – Forged Colonial Collection Single Toggle Switch Plate $9.92 Colonial Single Switch |
|
|
Brass Accents M02-S0600-770 Weathered Rust Colonial Collection – Forged Colonial Collection Single Toggle Switch Plate $9.92 Colonial Single Switch |
|
|
Brass Accents M03-S3600-609 Antique Brass Contemporary Collection – Cast Contemporary Collection Single Toggle Switch Plate M03-S3600 $10.54 Contemporary Single Switch |
|
|
Brass Accents M02-S0600-609 Antique Brass Colonial Collection – Forged Colonial Collection Single Toggle Switch Plate M02-S0600 $9.92 Colonial Single Switch |
|
|
Brass Accents M02-S0600-657 Antique Copper Colonial Collection – Forged Colonial Collection Single Toggle Switch Plate M02-S0600 $12.4 Colonial Single Switch |
|
|
Brass Accents M02-S0600-625 Chrome Colonial Collection – Forged Colonial Collection Single Toggle Switch Plate M02-S0600 $9.92 Colonial Single Switch |
|
|
Brass Accents M03-S3600-657 Antique Copper Contemporary Collection – Cast Contemporary Collection Single Toggle Switch Plate M03-S3600 $13.02 Contemporary Single Switch |
|
|
Brass Accents M03-S3600-625 Chrome Contemporary Collection – Cast Contemporary Collection Single Toggle Switch Plate M03-S3600 $10.54 Contemporary Single Switch |