A light switch that works sometimes, or doesn’t work at all, can be aggravating. A short circuit can cause a fire inside a wall that can smolder for hours before being detected. A simple way to be rid of a fire hazard is to replace that five-dollar light switch. They vary in style from the common toggle, to the fancy flat, wall switch. Replacement, with the same type, is the easiest and least expensive way to get the job done. Warning! Working with electricity is hazardous if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Removal
Turn off the power at the breaker box. View my previous article on dangers of electricity here. If you are in doubt as to which breaker supplies power to your work area, turn off the main breakers at the top of the box. Turning off the main breaker will turn off the power for the whole house, so you will need a flashlight. Remove the wall plate, that covers the switch, using a flathead screwdriver. There are two screws, one on top of the switch and one on the bottom that hold the it in place in the box. Remove the screws and set them aside. Pull the switch out of the box to expose the two wires that connect to it. Notice each wire and where it connects. Disconnect the wires and remove the switch.
Replacement
If you don’t have a new switch, take the old one with you to the hardware store and match it with a new one. Leave the power off while you’re gone because there are exposed wires that can cause an accident.
Be sure the light switch is right side up, (on position is up) and reconnect the wires as follows. Loosen the wire connection screws, as far out as possible, without removing them. Wrap the wire around the screw in a clockwise direction and tighten the screw down. Be sure that there are no strands of wire sticking out from under the screw. When both wires are connected, fold the wires into the box so the light switch is in position for mounting. Replace the upper and lower screws that mount the light switch to the box. Replace the wall plate and turn the power on. Test the light switch to be sure that all connections are working.
Some wall plates cover more than one light switch. Each is individually mounted behind the plate. The wiring in these multiple switch boxes are crowded and sometimes it becomes difficult to pack them back inside where they came from. Just follow the bends in the wires and they will go back in.
This article is based on a single light switch but the basics are the same for the multi-switch boxes. Always remember that electricity, in the hands of a novice, can be dangerous. If you’re in doubt of your abilities, find someone who knows how to do the job. An accident with electricity can be very serious.
Sources: Personal experience
