How to Replace a Bathroom Light Switch

Replace damaged light switches.

Sometimes light switches wiggle and pop when you turn them on. This is not normal or safe--it simply means it's time to replace the switch, especially if it's a bathroom light switch. Any time you are around water and electricity the chances for electrical shock increases. Don't wait for an injury to occur before you replace your bathroom light switch.

Things You'll Need

• Philips- or flat-head screwdriver
• Electrical tester
• Replacement single pole switch

Instructions

1. Turn off the power to the bathroom lighting circuit by turning off the breaker at the main electrical panel.

2. Remove the cover plate from the bathroom light switch and test to verify that the power has been disconnected. Use an inexpensive two-prong electrical tester, and touch one prong to the screw that holds the black wire to the switch and the other prong to any metal on the switch or electrical box. Your tester should not light up if the power has been disconnected correctly.

3. Disconnect the original bathroom light switch. Remove the light switch from the electrical box by removing the two screws holding the switch into the wall. The screws are located at the top and at the bottom of the switch. Gently pull the switch from the electrical box and loosen the two screws on the right side of the switch and remove the black wires from beneath them. Loosen the green ground screw located at the bottom of the switch and remove the bare copper ground from the switch. Discard the old switch.

4. Install the new bathroom light switch. Wrap one of the black wires in the electrical box around the screw located at the top right side of the switch--wrap the remaining black wire in the box around the bottom right screw on the switch. Tighten both screws to hold the wires firmly to the switch. Wrap the bare copper ground wire around the green ground screw located on the bottom of the switch and tighten that screw as well. Gently push the wires and the switch into the electrical box attaching the switch onto the box with the screws provided with the replacement switch.

5. Replace the switch plate onto the new bathroom light switch and turn on the electrical power at the main breaker panel.

Tips & Warnings

• Test to make sure the electricity is off to the area you are working in to avoid electrical shock.

References

• Aubuchon Hardware: How to Install an Electric Switch
• Self Help and More: Basic Single Switch Controlling 1 Light - Power Source at Switch
• "Wiring 1-2-3"; Steve Cory; 2005

Resources

• Reader's Digest: How To Use Inexpensive Electrical Testers