Find out how to successfully and safely install a unmarried - rod light switch .
Getty Images / Jose Luis Pelaez Inc
lighter switchescontrol individual lights throughout the home , though they can also be connect to appliances , power outlets , and other electronic twist . wire a exclusive - rod light switch is a relatively straightforward project , but this does n’t mean it should be near without caution .
Credit:Getty Images / Jose Luis Pelaez Inc
Proper safety precautions are essential whenever a DIYer works with electricity . For those who have never or only rarely work on the home electrical infrastructure , installing a young undivided - rod abstemious electric switch can be a keen way of life to learn how to safely repair and promote the electrical organization . expend this guide tolearn more about light electric switch parts , electrical safety , and how to telegraph a lightheaded electrical switch .
Parts of a Light Switch
Before starting this job , it ’s a good idea to have a basic reason of the various parts of a loose substitution and how a short switch works . The component include a toggle switch or rocker , contacts , screw terminals , rail line wire , load telegram , and neutral telegram .
Safety Considerations
When working with electrical energy , it ’s essential to put condom before speed or efficiency , peculiarly if you are relatively new to work on electrical raise or repair projects . Before starting the projection , it ’s essential to have abatic understanding of the electrical systemand to invest in right protective equipment . Ideally , you should wear electric insulated glove while you work so that if there is a live flow , the gloves can protect you from inadvertent burning .
to boot , you should always flex the electricity off to the switch and prove the circumference with anon - contact electromotive force testerto swear that the ability is off before you begin . This spare step takes just a few minutes but could entail the conflict between a successful repair and a trip to the nigh clinic . Due to the potential risks involved when process with electrical organization , it ’s best to call in an electrician if you are not confident in your ability .
What You’ll Need
Equipment / Tools
Materials
Instructions
How to Install a Light Switch
Turn Off the Electricity
The most crucial step of any electric fixture or promote is toturn off the power . head up to the breaker panel and turn over off the switch that controls the flow of electrical energy to the aim light switch if one is already installed . If you are running newfangled wires , you must twist off the power to the circle you will be working with . If you have afuse box , remove the associated electrical fuse rather than flipping a surf panel switch .
Run the Wires
If you are installing a brand new light switch , you ask to execute the necessary cable television service from the ledgeman panel to the emplacement where you will be installing it and then from the switching to the target light-colored fixture or exit .
In most font , there is already major power in the area , so you may be capable to execute the wire from a nearby major power source . start the two - wire cable , consisting of a mordant common conducting wire , a white neutral wire , and a ground , from the breaker dialog box or a nearby might source to the unaccented switch . Then , draw a 2nd two - wire cable from the switch to the abstemious fixture .
Test the Electrical Current
Use a non - contact voltage examiner to confirm the power is off to the mean tour . When replacing an live easy substitution , remove the faceplate for better approach to test the connected wires . Keep in judgement that if multiple switches are in the same loge , you should quiz them all before continue .
Label the Wires
expend a screwdriver to take out the mounting jailer at the top and bottom of the existing light switch to enter the wire . If the wire are not labeled , take a few minute of arc and implement telegram labels .
Disconnect the Existing Light Switch
If you are replacing an existing wanton switch , use a screwdriver to loosen the mounting turnkey and disconnect the gaoler terminal from the connected wires . Sometimes , old wires can be damage over age of use , so it is a unspoiled idea to snip the tip off the conducting wire anduse wire strippersto discase back ¾ column inch of the charge card overlayer before making the new connection .
Connect the New Light Switch
After removing the old light switch , jump wiring the new switch . link the electric switch ’s indifferent white wire to the neutral wire from the rampart . This should cease up being a three - way joining breaker point that link up the low-cal fixture , juncture box , and light switch .
Connect the black line conducting wire and the black or red loading wire to the terminals on the back or side of the scant switch . Since this is a single - magnetic pole light switch , the business line and load wire placement is standardised . last , connect the unripened or copper ground wire to the light switch terminal .
you could use needle - nozzle plier to deform the wire around the terminal screws and then practice a screwdriver to tighten up the link , being deliberate to avoid overtightening .
Secure the Faceplate
With the new permutation associate , neatly skid the wires back into the adjunction boxwood , checking to ensure that there is enough space for the electrical switch to burst . Once the new light switch is sit securely in the junction boxful , use a screwdriver to fasten the top and bottom of the electrical switch . Place the faceplate in spatial relation and use a screwdriver to tighten the prison guard and insure the faceplate .
Turn On Electricity and Test the Switch
When you are confident that the job is done , head to the fuze box or ledgeman panel and twist the electrical energy back on . Flip the tripping switch to test the connectedness and ensure it functions as destine . Then , make clean up any peter to nail the projection .
