How to Wire a Wall Switch

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Pick a single-pole light switch for most applications.

   Common applications include ceiling or hallway light switches, a cellar or attic light, a ceiling fan or chandelier, or an outdoor patio light.
   
   A single-pole wall switch usually has a lever or toggle that completes the circuit when it is flipped up to turn a light, device, or appliance on.
   
   When the toggle is flipped down, the circuit is broken, and the power goes off.
   
   Single-pole switches have 2 brass terminal screws on the side, and newly purchased switches usually have a ground wire.
2. 2

   Step 2: Turn off the electricity carefully.

   Locate your circuit breaker box and the circuit breaker specific to the switch to be wired.
   
   Turn off that circuit breaker. , Remove the faceplate from the switch with a screwdriver.
   
   Touch a non-contact voltage detector near each of the 2 screw terminals.
   
   If the voltage detector lights, electricity is still on, and you are at risk, so return to the circuit breaker to determine if it is off and/or if it is the correct circuit breaker.
   
   If the voltage detector does not light, the electricity is off, and you can proceed. , Measure the height, width, and depth of the electrical box in place to determine if your new light switch will fit. , Keep the wires separate; the wire from the top terminal should be positioned differently from the wire from the bottom terminal. ,, Use needle-nose pliers to shape a loop at end of each wire.
   
   Place loops over terminals and tighten terminal screws with screwdriver. , Attach the ground wire to the ground post in the box.
   
   Clip a grounding clip to the bottom edge of the box if there is no grounding post. , Try to fold the wires like an accordion to avoid crowding. ,,,,,
3. 3

   Step 3: Confirm the electricity is off at the spot you want to install the switch.

4. 4

   Step 4: Unscrew the top and bottom of the switch in place

5. 5

   Step 5: and remove it gently from the box.

6. 6

   Step 6: Disconnect the wires from the existing switch with a screwdriver.

7. 7

   Step 7: Strip insulation away on each wire to expose 3/8 inch (0.9525 cm) of wire.

8. 8

   Step 8: Attach the wires in the box to the appropriate terminal

9. 9

   Step 9: top or bottom

10. 10

    Step 10: on the new switch.

11. 11

    Step 11: Ground the new switch.

12. 12

    Step 12: Bundle the package together in your hand

13. 13

    Step 13: and gently insert it into the wall box without undoing any of the connections.

14. 14

    Step 14: Screw the top and bottom of the switch body to the top and bottom of the box.

15. 15

    Step 15: Screw on the faceplate.

16. 16

    Step 16: Restore the electricity by turning the circuit breaker back on.

17. 17

    Step 17: Test the light switch.

18. 18

    Step 18: Finished.

Detailed Guide

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