In Box 1, disconnect a wire on the old switch and attach it to the correct terminal on the new one. When you do this, leave the light on that you’re changing out, and when it shuts off, you’ll know you got the right switch. Disconnect and remove the current light fixture. I’m going to change out the outlets and light switches in this house. A remote receiver can be wired into almost any existing light switch. Remove 3/4 inch of casing from the end of the house wires and the dimmer switch wires, if needed. In most cases, the two switch wires will be some color other than green or white, usually black. That was the best thing I ever could have done. The best thing is it’s surprisingly easy to do, even for someone with little (or no) electrical experience, and can be done in less than 10 minutes. The cost to Replace an Electric Switch starts at $45.47 - $111 per switch, but can vary significantly with site conditions and options. Then I turned on every overhead light in the house, and a lamp into every outlet. The building was constructed in 1926 so everything is super old. amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks"; Put a piece of tape with the same number on each terminal. Screw on the switch plate and turn on the power. This means knowing where your electrical panel is, and flipping the right switch. In Box 1, disconnect a wire on the old switch and attach it to the correct terminal on the new one. Drilling New Holes If you are refeeding an outlet or a light switch and you can't reuse the old cable's hole, a new hole is necessary. The switchboard is usually at the front of a home, often in the kitchen or near the entrance. Although plug-in connections may be more convenient, they are less reliable than those with screw terminals, so don’t use them! However, replacing these with decorative switches can add a stylish finishing touch to your home. I methodically switched off each circuit and recorded the lights and outlets controlled by that circuit. If the switch has On and Off embossed on its body and it’s the only switch that controls lights or receptacles, it’s a single-pole switch. When you replace a switch, make sure you check the amp and voltage ratings on the back of the old switch. Problem is, when I removed the old switch I noticed it is wired up weird. The wiring, in this case, is pretty much the same as a single light switch, but there are some fundamental differences. But one of the wires may be white if your house is wired with plastic-sheathed cable. Put a piece of tape on each wire with a number on it. Don't do this without permission. A single-pole switch has just two positions—“on” and “off.”[1] X Research source Test the switches with a voltage tester to ensure the power is off. You’ll need access to the white neutral wires. Installing a Ceiling Fan: Overview 4:30. Attach the first wire you unscrew to the same-colored screw on the new switch as it was on the old; do the same with the second. The panel on the basement is so fully loaded that we’ll have to do an upgrade when it comes time to finish the kitchen. Any thing involving electricity is no joke!!! 8. How often do you redecorate a room, but it is let down by the same old boring light switch plate or plug socket? Why a Tester May Read Voltage while the Light Switch is Off. Start by turning off the power to the circuit you'll be working on at the main electrical panel. If it controls an outlet, plug a lamp into the outlet and make sure it goes on. Your first task is to shut off power, at the source, to the fixture you’re changing out. The first step is to locate the live circuit wires in the switch box. Then I turned on every overhead light in the house, and a lamp into every outlet. You can also wire a light fixture to the switch. Bring old light fixtures wired with knob-and-tube wiring up to code by installing an electrical box in the plaster wall. You can't always simply pull an old cable you no longer need out of the wall. How to Install a Ceiling Fan 1:41. To remove these wires, insert the blade of a small screwdriver into the slot under the hole into which the wire is inserted and push in as you pull the wire loose. The loop must wrap at least two-thirds but no more than three-quarters of the way around the terminal screw. Here's how to replace a double light switch, either because the original one is old or you want a new style. You can replace a switch with a receptacle or a switch outlet combo. If an outlet (commonly called a receptacle) no longer holds a plug snugly, it should be replaced.The procedure for replacing a duplex (two-outlet) wall receptacle is similar to that of replacing a switch. Methodically dealing with one wire at a time will help avoid confusion and mistakes. A variation of the traditional toggle switch is the lever-action switch, which lies almost flush with the wall. The only difference is that, depending on where the receptacle is located in the wiring scheme of your house, it may have more wires attached to it than you find attached to a light switch. In some houses, light switches on the wall might control individual outlets, where you can plug in lamps and other lights. It's generally not good to put two wires under one screw as was previously done. First page loaded, no previous page available. 4. Pushing the blade of the screwdriver into the slot releases the grip on the inserted wire. I have no white wire to hook up to. Place the wall switches for the fixtures in the off position. Leave the ceiling light on as you search for the main switchboard in your home. Copyright © 2020 This Old House Ventures, LLC. So long as you’re not changing any wiring, anyone is allowed to replace the plates over their switches. Protect Your Home From Electrical Damage | This Old House: LIVE. The single-pole toggle switch is still the most popular. Gently push the new, wired switch back into the electrical box and screw it in place. One trick is to take notes of how the wiring is connected now, and repeat it for the new switch. After tightening the wire connections to the new switch, wrap electrical tape around the switch. Or you could change an existing switch to give you convenient, multi-way control of a light in your hallway, landing or stairwell. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; There are plenty of reasons to change out a lightswitch, from aesthetics to function, and it’s a good general skill to have if, well, you live in a home with light switches. Remove the suspect switch from the box and use a continuity tester to test its operation. Hello, I need helping figuring out how to change out an old light switch in a mobile home with a new toggle switch, just the regular one that has the 3 screws you attach the wires to. Looking back now, I could see they would stand out a mile and let down the effort I put in the rest of the room. Hook the wire clockwise around the screw so when you tighten the screw with a screwdriver, the clockwise force of the tightening screw makes the loop wrap tighter around the screw. Let us show you how. Push the new receptacle back into the electrical box and screw it in place. Once you track down where the wires are going, you can then install the new switch. A double light switch is used to turn two separate light sources in one area on and off. After you do that, the wiring sequence depends on whether you want the switch to control the outlet or not. The red wire is presumably going to the light (load). Turn off the wall switch for that light too. Although it may be a single pole switch, if there is another switch controlling your lights, then it would be a 3-way configuration. Remove the suspect switch from the box and use a continuity tester to test its operation. If you find that current is allowed to pass through the switch, regardless of the position of the on/off toggle, then replace the old switch with a new three-way switch. Fix old-house wiring problems. Learning to change a light switch is a wiring project you can do yourself with just a few common tools and our easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions. Two or three wires will be attached to the switch: an incoming hot wire, which is black; a return wire, which carries the load to the fixture and may be black, red, or any other color except green; and sometimes a grounding wire, which is green or bare copper. Looking at how your existing light switch is wired up can help you identify which wire is which in your wall box. I methodically switched off each circuit and recorded the lights and outlets controlled by that circuit. How to Replace the Wiring on an Old House. In my first house I redecorated all my rooms numerous times, but left the crap white plastic light switch plates the same! Here's how to replace a double light switch, either because the original one is old or you want a new style. For a light switch, dimmer switch or outlet repair job, customers mainly pay for the electrician's time, expertise and overhead. Put a new bulb into the light fixture or plug a working lamp or other appliance into the switch-controlled receptacle to make sure the switch is faulty. I heard that!! SHOP ALL DIMMERS & SWITCHES Share: categories. All rights reserved. If all you’re looking to do is to change up your dirty old light switch plates, you’re in luck! Make sure you turn the power off to the light switch at your consumer unit. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. So long as you’re not changing any wiring, anyone is allowed to replace the plates over their switches. After you do this, remove the switch cover plate and test the wires with a voltage tester for safety. Light switches are functional items, and many of the basic varieties (made from white plastic) can look a bit plain. Because the power is off, you can match up the connectors the easy way: Instead of disconnecting all the wires at once and possibly getting confused, unscrew and connect one wire at a time. Light switches are functional items, and many of the basic varieties (made from white plastic) can look a bit plain. If you find that current is allowed to pass through the switch, regardless of the position of the on/off toggle, then replace the old switch with a new three-way switch. You may find a white wire that has black tape on it connected to the switch. Put a wrap of black tape around the white conductor to label it as a … Is Your Home Trying to Tell You Something? Tip If it's an old switch that has been painted around many times over the years a good idea is to score round it with a sharp knife. The green or bare copper (ground) wire, if the device has one, attaches to the green screw terminal on the switch or to the electrical box. We’ve taken out some of the work for you, and have looked at some of the most common light switches out there. I was pretty dismayed to find some old wiring while needing to change a light switch in my house. That’s not a problem with one of these compact, ultra-efficient units that heat water as you need it. The switch wiring is all the same but the switch wire (cable C) leads up to a different set up. There will be an additional wire needed (often red) to connect the switches together to a dedicated screw or input on the switch that is specifically marked for this purpose. When I took the old fixture down, I noticed it didn't have a ground wire. Steps for Installing a Wireless Light Switch Before doing any electrical work, always turn off the power at the circuit breaker. Install the Switch and Cover Plate Gently tuck the wires into the wall box, then secure the switch with the mounting screws threaded into the holes on the box. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; The wiring, in this case, is pretty much the same as a single light switch, but there are some fundamental differences. If necessary, use a wire stripper to expose about a half inch of both the hot and neutral wires. Here's how an inventive redo made an 1830s artifact just right for a 21st-century household. Currently loaded videos are 1 through 15 of 36 total videos. Tired of running out of hot water? Unscrew and remove the switch plate; then use a voltage tester to make sure that the circuit is dead. It may also be in the garage or basement. If the light switch has a ground screw on it (usually green and at the bottom of the switch), connect it now. Feb 23, 2016 - An old toggle-style wall light switch is easy to upgrade with a new rocker switch. Tell the store employee what kind of switch you want and how many you’ll need, and they can help you determine the best purchase. Before disconnecting the switch wires, label each wire for easy reattachment later, and mark the "hot" white wire with a black marker. This electrical question came from: Rietta, a Handy-Woman from Michigan. This way there won’t be any chance of electrocuting yourself. Purchase a new light switch that meets your requirements at a local home repair or hardware store. The power must be coming into the light switch box first, and then continue on to the light … I can clearly see that I was overcharged, but whose fault I’d that (don’t really want the true answer here). This wire is sometimes red. Remove the cover plate from the switch box with a slotted screwdriver. Well, 99% of the time one of the black wires belongs to the switch cable that controls that light. Here's how to do it without breaking the plaster and lath. Unscrew the two retaining screws on the switch and pull away the switch. Remove Wires From Old Switch Use a screw driver to loosen the screws holding the electrical wires on the side of the switch, and then disconnect the wires from the switch itself. Don't do this without permission. If a light switch fails to function, it should be replaced. 1. Always turn off the circuit for the room if not the whole house. If the circuits in your panel aren't labeled, turn on the existing light and turn off the power to each circuit until the light goes out. Dave’s Reply: Thanks for your electrical question Rietta. Why? 2. 9. Put a piece of tape with the same number on each terminal. Changing the light switch is a simple and inexpensive DIY project. Turning the light switch off is not good enough, as power is coming through some of those wires whether the switch is on or not. Once you’ve identified your wires, installing the Brilliant Control is much easier. How to change a light switch plate. Unscrew the switch from the electrical box and pull it out with the wires still attached. Turn on the switch, then place one lead of the tester on either of the black wires connected to the switch and the other lead on the green ground screw. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "wiley01-20"; Both wires, red and black, are live wires in a switch as you will see a little later. Here are descriptions of the wires and where they go: 1-15 of 28. Unscrew the three-way switch you suspect isn't operating properly from the box. Therefore, the 2 switches + the light = 3 way. When you do this, leave the light on that you’re changing out, and when it shuts off, you’ll know you got the right switch. The service is split between a main panel in the basement and a sub-panel on the third floor. To connect a wire to a terminal, strip off about 1/2 inch of insulation, using a wire stripper, and twist the end into a clockwise loop with long-nose pliers. Remove your old light fixture. Plus, learn how to change a single-pole switch to a 3-way switch. (assuming it is a steel box). This stops you pulling away the paint work on the walls. Other fixtures may use clips that can be removed by hand. When you replace a switch, make sure you check the amp and voltage ratings on the back of the old switch. It also allows you to rearrange your furniture without worrying about blocking a light switch. When the toggle switch is mounted properly, the words ON and OFF are upright on the toggle lever, and the light goes on when you flip the switch up. If you’re changing a lamp, unplug it from the wall. Here's how to do it. Some switches are available with the extra feature of a built-in neon lamp that glows when the switch is off, making it easy to locate the switch in the dark. Best Extension Cords for Any Situation 2:35. These often are stapled to the framing. Unscrew the switch from the electrical box and pull it out with the wires still attached. Need to install or replace a 3-way light switch in your home? The new light switch should have the same ratings. You can do this using the circuit breaker.It is usually located in the basement. Now I know where the body is buried when I need to work on a switch. If the wiring has a green ground wire, attach it to the green terminal on the receptacle or to the electrical box. 9. Label the terminals on your new switch the same way, then disconnect the old switch and connect the new switch exactly the same way. They’re really convenient, but if you ever need to replace that outlet, there are some important things you’ll need to keep in mind. HEY!! This is a very old house and I can’t get the outlet to work. If it controls a ceiling fixture, make sure the light goes on. Leave the green (ground) screw unconnected. The push-button switch has a single button that turns the light on when pressed and off when pressed again. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. The old farmhouse had dark rooms, dead ends, and no place to park the kids' boots. However, replacing these with decorative switches can add a stylish finishing touch to your home. Pro tips for finding—and replacing—a faulty three-way light switch, This Old House host Kevin O'Connor gets pro tips for finding—and replacing—a faulty three-way light switch. 5. You need to connect the black wires to one screw of the new switch and the red to the other. Now that the light switch is completely removed, we’ll need to prepare for the installation of the combo switch. Methodically dealing with one wire at a time will help avoid confusion and mistakes. First of all we should connect the ground wires to the box. Single-pole switches are the simplest and most common. 6. Label the terminals on your new switch the same way, then disconnect the old switch and connect the new switch exactly the same way. Basically there's four wires, two each in a bundle inside the gang box. To do this, first flip the switch on. In other words, if the hot line that provides power to the light (or whatever the switch powers) goes into the light fixture first and then into the light switch box, you won’t be able to use a switch/outlet combo. Ideally, the old switch is still there, so you can wire the new one up the same way as the old one. 1. All light fixtures are a little different, but to remove most models, you will need to unscrew the screws with a drill or screwdriver. See typical tasks and time to replace an electric switch, along with per unit costs and material requirements. A double light switch is used to turn two separate light sources in one area on and off. Here are the steps for wiring a three-way dimmer switch: If the house wires are bent, use a wire stripper to cut off the twisted ends. Screw the switch to the electrical box, and replace the cover plate. Any thing involving electricity is no joke!!! 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Expertise and overhead may also be in the house wires and the dimmer switch or outlet repair is easy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!., 99 % of the new one up the same as a single light is..., learn how to replace an electric switch, either because the original one is old or you want switch... The basic varieties ( made from white plastic light switch, make sure you check the amp voltage... Or white, usually black main switchboard in your hallway, landing or stairwell I ever have. An existing switch to control the outlet to work a ground wire from your dimmer to a different up. Correct terminal on the switch box with a voltage tester for safety can look a bit..