Hiring an electrician can get expensive, and when the job is something as simple as repairing a defective light switch, you may want to save the cost and fix it yourself. Even though working with electricity can be a bit daunting to anyone who does not have prior experience, replacing a defective light switch is a relatively easy task. However, when working with electricity, safety precautions should be taken.

Preparation

Before starting any electrical repair, the power should be shut off. The power can be shut off to the specific circuit at the fuse box or breaker box. If the specific circuit is not known, then the main fuse needs to be removed or the main breaker needs to be tripped. The toggle switch is the most commonly used style of switch, and it can be interchanged with a mercury switch or a silent switch. To install it, some tools are needed, such as a flat-blade screwdriver, hammer, linemen's pliers, long-nosed pliers, pocketknife, wire stripper, and diagonal cutters. A new switch and a new faceplate will be needed, along with two #8 wire nuts.

Replacing the Switch

After the faceplate has been removed, the wires attached to the junction box must be detached. The junction box can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner if it is dirty. Diagonal cutters can remove any frayed wires, and wire strippers can restrip any wires that are missing insulation. These wires must then be re-attached to the old wires by using the wire nuts. By creating hooks at the end of the wires, the wires are connected to the terminal screws. Long-nosed pliers come in handy for this part of the job. Put everything back in the wall making sure the off position is showing when the switch is down. If the switch does not want to fit due to the metal tabs, they can be broken off of the strip bar. After replacing the faceplate, the job is done.

Source:

Do It Yourself

Accurate Building