How to Add a Wall Switch to a Light
Adding a wall switch for a light can be challenging but you can do this project yourself if you know how to work with electricity. As long as you have the right tools and the knowledge when working with electricity, it can be done without calling an electrician. However, if you are afraid to work with electricity, you should call an electrician. You can also go to your local hardware store and ask for advice on how to do this project. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Wall switch
- Electrical tape
- Flat-head and Philips screwdrivers
- Electrical tester
- 12-gauge wire
- Tape measure
- Wire cutters
- 20-amp breaker
- Switch casing
- Face plate
- Stud finder
- Hole saw
Instructions
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1
Make sure the power is off to where you are putting the wall switch.
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2
Measure from where you are putting the wall switch to the breaker box, leaving 6 inches extra on each end. Use the wire cutters and take about half an inch back from the edge of the wire. Go around and pull off the insulation from the wires. Attach the wires to either the breaker or the outlet.
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3
Use the stud finder to locate the stud. With the hole saw, cut out the wall where you are putting the switch casing. Use screws to attach the switch casing to the stud.
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4
Run the wires through the switch casing. Put the negative and positive into a horse shoe shape. Set the wires behind the screw and tighten them down with a screwdriver. Attach the black wire, which is the positive wire, to the left side of the wall switch. Attach the white wire, which is the negative wire, to the right side of the wall switch. Attach the copper wire, which is the ground wire, to the green screw on the bottom of the wall switch.
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5
Connect the wires to the 20-amp breaker with the flat head or Philips screwdriver, depending on what kind of screws are in the breaker. The black wire goes to the 20-amp breaker, the white wire goes to the ground on the breaker box and the copper wire goes to the ground on the breaker box. Make sure the breaker is turned off and set the 20-amp breaker in the breaker box. Turn the breaker on and test with the electrical tester. Test the new wall switch with the electrical tester.
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6
Wrap the electrical tape around the back of the new wall switch for safety reasons. Attach the wall switch to the switch casing with the screws that came with the switch. Put the face plate on.
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Tips & Warnings
Always double check to make sure the power is off before you start.
Make sure to leave 6 inches on each end of the wire to work with.
Always tape the switch where the wires are attached for safety.
Ask your local hardware store for advice on how to do this project yourself.
Do not cross the wires. Make sure they are installed properly.
Never touch the wires you are installing unless you know for sure the power is off because it could lead to electrocution.
