How to Install a Lightswitch
So you want to know how to install a lightswitch. This is a quick and easy skill to pick up, and will help you save a bundle on hiring an electrician. A couple of simple steps and you'll be putting in your own dimmer switches in no time.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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1
Turn off the power to the lightswitch at your fuse/breaker box. If you don't know which fuse goes to that area, turn on the light attached to the switch and shut off the breaker switches one by one until you get the right one.
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2
Remove the switchplate cover by taking out the screws.
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3
Remove the switch from the electrical box by taking out the screws.
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4
There will be two wires. Take note of which wires are attached to the positive and negative leads, then pull the switch apart from the wires.
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5
Install the new switch by putting the same wires into the same leads in the new one.
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6
Replace the switch into the electrical box, and screw it in.
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7
Replace the switch cover.
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8
Turn the fuse/breaker switch back on.
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9
If your switch pops, smokes or somehow smells funny, you've installed the wires incorrectly.
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