How to Replace a Light Switch or Electrical Receptacle

Light switches are amazing little objects. Flip the switch and like magic, the light comes on. But are they as simple when it comes to replacing one? The answer is yes. Replacing a light switch should take no longer than ten minutes.

Light switches come in different amp sizes depending on what they will be operating. The most common switch is the 15A-120V switch. That simply means it will handle up to 15 amps and 120 volts. This is the size usually used for turning your overhead lights on and off.

Since switches seldom need replacing, you probably will not have one on hand. When you make a trip to the hardware store, be sure to get the same color switch. Almond colored or white are the ones predominately used. You should be able to use the same cover plate unless you just want a new one.

Once you have your switch, it's time to gather the few tools you will need to replace the light switch. You will need a pair of needle nose pliers, a flat or one way screwdriver, and a Phillips or two way screwdriver.

The first and most important step to replacing that light switch is to turn off the electricity to the switch. If you know which breaker controls that switch you can just turn it off. However, the safest thing to do is to turn the main breaker off. And, if anyone else is in the house that might turn it back on, be sure to tell them or place some type of lock out device on the breaker box.

Once the electricity is off, using the one way screwdriver, remove the cover plate. Then remove the old switch from the receptacle or gang box with the Phillips or two way screwdriver. And no, I don't know why the cover has one way screws while the the switch itself has the Phillips head screws. Loosen the screws holding the wires. Work the wires free from the old switch and discard it.

You're now ready to install the new switch. If you look at the wires you just took loose from the old switch, you should see a white wire, a black wire, and a bare copper wire, which is the ground. This is if the switch only covers the overhead light fixture. The white wire or neutral should be attached to the bottom gold screw while the black or hot wire should be attached to the top gold screw. Attach the ground wire to the small green colored screw. Before you begin attaching the wires, check the position of your switch. When you attach the wires you want to make sure the word OFF is on the top. So when the toggle is pushed to the down position, the word Off shows.

Using the needle nose pliers again, attach the wires to the screws. One tip here: be sure to wrap the wire clockwise around the screw. If you put the wire on counterclockwise, when you tighten the screw you will actually back the wire off.

Another thing to be aware of is the fact that most switches have push wire holes that can be used instead of the screws. You will need to make sure you use #14 size wire. To use these, simple straighten the wire and push only the stripped wire itself into the opening. Either way is fine, however, many people opt to use the screws believing they are more secure.

Once the wires are secured to the switch, re-attach it to the receptacle box using the Phillips screws that came with the new switch. Again, the word Off should be at the top of the switch, showing when the toggle is in the down position.

If you need to replace a receptacle instead of a switch, don't worry. It is also very easy to replace. You will note that the receptacle has a silver screw and a gold or brass screw on each side. The white wire goes to the silver screw, the black wire goes to the gold or brass screw, and the copper wire goes to the green screw. If you have two sets of wires, simply attach one set to each side. Both grounds will go to the green screw.

Replace the cover plate. You're now ready to turn the electricity back on and test your new switch or receptacle. Now wasn't that simple? In fact, you could probably change a switch or receptacle in the time it takes you to read this.