Electric Switches Installation

The bare end of each wire should be in a hook-like loop and the black or colored wires should be attached to screw terminals on the switch. A bare copper ground wire connects to the green terminal screw on the switch.

Turn off power to the switch at the circuit breaker or fuse box and use a voltage tester to make sure that it is dead. Remove the switch cover plate and unscrew the two screws that hold the switch in the electrical box.

Wiring

The three wires attached to a single-pole switch are a black common wire leading back to the power source, a white neutral wire connecting to the box and a light fixture, and a bare copper or green ground wire. You can work with these wires while the power is off.

Before disconnecting any wires, take a picture of the way the switches are connected and the light fixture to help you reconnect them. Make sure the breaker is turned off before working on any electrical projects.

Connect the common wires to the same terminals on both new switches. Next, connect the red traveler wire to the top right or left upper terminal on one of the switches. This is optional. Some electricians do this to keep the wires organized, but it's not necessary for proper operation. Connect the bare ground wire to the green terminal screw on the second switch.

Installation

If you have trouble with a light switch, the first thing to do is make sure that all power to the circuit is off by turning off the breaker at your home's Electric Panel Installation. Use a non-contact voltage tester to confirm that no electricity is flowing through the wiring.

If your switch is connected to its wires by push-in connections in the back of the device, loosen them by pushing a screwdriver into the release slot next to each terminal screw. Remove the wires, tidy up their exposed copper, and remove any that look damaged or dirty.

Single-pole switches have three wires attached to them: a black or red wire leading back to the power source, a white wire connecting the switch to the fixture, and a green or bare ground wire. Label each with a piece of tape before you disconnect them so that when you reconnect them, you know which wire goes where on the new switch.

Testing

Once you have connected your new switch, you should test it for continuity to make sure that it works. You can use a simple continuity tester or a multimeter, which is a handy tool that lets you check whether electrical current flows properly through a circuit. Before connecting the switch, be sure that the power is off by shutting off the corresponding circuit breaker in your home’s service panel or unplugging the fuse.

Next, unscrew the switch from its box and remove its faceplate. Then, using a non-contact voltage tester, touch each of the wires attached to the switch terminals to ensure that they are not life. Then, if your switch has three terminals, locate a dark-colored one and label it with a piece of black tape or paint to identify it as the common wire that brings power to the switch. Loosen the screw and ground terminals, then pull each of the other wires from their respective terminals.

Repair

Electric Switches Installation contacts inside of switches can wear out over time, causing crackling or popping sounds when you flip the switch. When this happens, you need to have a professional repair your switch and prevent a potential fire hazard.

Start by shutting off the power to the switch at the circuit breaker, using a non-contact voltage tester to make sure the breaker is completely dead. Next, remove the switch plate and unscrew it from the wall, pulling it out with the wires still attached. Before disconnecting the wires, take a picture of how they're connected to save yourself some trouble rewiring the switch. If the exposed end of the wire looks damaged, use a pair of wire strippers to cut off about 1/2 inch of insulation and strip the wire down to its metal hook.

When you connect the wires to your new switch, always start with the black wire (which will be hot). Wrap it clockwise around the brass screw and tighten it; this will create a strong connection and help the screw hold its place.