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Replace A
Light Switch |
Removing The Old Switch: Turn off the power at your main
power box. Take off the plastic cover switch. Next test to
see if the electricity was completely shut off by touching
the wires and terminals (screws located at the side of the
switch) with a voltage indicator. If the indicator’s light
goes on, you still have power and must go back to the power
box and turn off the correct circuit breaker or fuse.
Remove the screws that attach the switch to the outlet box.
Pull out the switch a little, but remember the switch is not
completely free because it is still attached to the wires.
Gently pull the switch out of the box so you have some room
to work with the wires. Use a screwdriver to loosen the
terminals (screws) on the switch and unwind the wires from
around the screws. If the wires were inserted into the holes
in the back of the switch, place a small screwdriver into
the slot located next to each hole to release the wires.
Remove the old switch.
Installing The New Switch: You will need at least ˝ inch of
bare wire to wrap around the terminals. If you do not have
enough bare wire, use a wire stripper to remove the coating
on the wires. Hold the new switch in your hand, making sure
the off position is at the top. If the switch reads “no” or
“ffo, the switch is upside down. The wires you removed from
the switch will either both be black or will have one black
and one white wire. These wires should be wrapped around the
2 metal terminals. If you have a green or copper grounding
wire, connect them to the green terminal on the switch. It
is a good idea to connect the grounding wire first. Bend the
tip of each wire into a loop with needle nose pliers and
curl it around the correct terminal. Wrap the wire in a
clockwise direction. Use a screwdriver to tighten the
terminal screws into place.
When all the wires have been properly connected, carefully
push the switch back into the outlet box. Make sure the
grounding wire is not touching the other wires. Screw the
switch to the outlet box. Turn on the power at your main
power box and use the voltage indicator to make sure your
switch is receiving electricity. If the indicator light does
not go on, turn off the main power switch and repeat all the
steps again. If it still does not work, call an electrician.
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