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Once the power is off, remove the switch from the electrical box.
Remove the wires from the old switch and attach them to the new unit.
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We take electrical switches for granted. Flick a wall switch and something is supposed to happen, typically a light or fan goes on. So what do we do if the light or fan doesn't come on? We call a meeting of the Fix-It Club!
An electrical switch is a device designed to stop the flow of electric current. When turned on, a switch completes the electrical circuit and current flows to the light or other device the switch controls. When the switch is off, the electrical circuit is not complete, denying power to whatever the switch controls.
The most common household switch is a two-way (sometimes called a single-pole) switch, which is a toggle switch marked on and off. Other household switches include the three-way switch for controlling a light from two switches, and the dimmer switch for varying the amount of electricity that goes to the light or other apparatus.
Test an electrical switch:
- Turn off power to the switch's circuit at the electrical service panel. This requires identifying the correct circuit breaker and turning it off, or finding the appropriate fuse and unscrewing it from the panel.
- Remove the cover plate and use a tester to make sure power is off before proceeding.
- Disconnect the old switch by removing the top and bottom screws holding the switch to the electrical box that is mounted in the wall.
- Pull the switch toward you to expose the wires on the side and rear. If a wire is loose or broken, you've probably found the problem.
- Unscrew the terminal screws on the switch about 1/4 inch and remove the wires. Some switches, instead, have wires inserted into holes in the rear of the switch; if this is the case, insert a small thin screwdriver in the slot below the wire to release it.
- Use a continuity tester to test the switch. Clip one probe to each of the two terminals, then flip the switch on and off. The tester should light only when the switch is on. You also can use a multimeter set to resistance in ohms for this test. If the switch is faulty, replace it.
Replace an electrical switch:
- If any wires from the box are damaged, remove the damaged portion, making sure you have sufficient length to reach the terminal box.
- If necessary, use a wire stripper to remove insulation from the last 3/4 inch of the end of the wires.
- Use the strippers or pliers to bend the end of the wire in a semicircle so it can wrap around the terminal screw. If there are no terminal screws on the switch, insert the straight wires into the appropriate holes on the back of the switch.
- Attach the wires to the terminals and tighten them.
- Replace and screw the switch into the terminal box, making sure the switch is plumb—straight up and down.
- Replace the cover plate, restore power, and try the switch.
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