Disconnect the old switch wiring.
Electrical wall switch installation.
There should be one wire only under each terminal.
Turn off the power to the switch at the main circuit breaker or fuse panel.
There are several different types of switches and although they may look the same when they are installed with their faceplates intact the various switches look and function differently on the inside.
Circuit electrical wiring enters the switch box.
The wall switch is one of the most common and important electrical devices in the home.
To replace this kind of switch follow these steps.
Note the switch wiring.
This is an updated version of the first arrangement.
Still you will want to replace a switch when it wears out in part because it presents a fire hazard.
Featuring wiring diagrams for single pole wall switches commonly used in the home.
Switch wiring shows the power source power in starts at the switch box.
Electric wall switches last a long time.
The black wire power in source attaches to one of the switch screw terminals.
Explanation of wiring diagram 1.
Unscrew and remove the switch plate.
The other may be black red or white.
Most of the common types of switches come in different styles such as toggle rocker slider or push.
Another reason to change out the switch is appearances.
One of these will likely be black.
Unscrew the switch from the electrical box and pull it out with the wires still attached.
The red and black are used for hot and the white neutral wire at the switch box allows for powering a timer remote control or other programmable switch.
Then use a voltage tester to make sure that the circuit is dead.