How to Change a Light Switch

Step-by-Step Guide on how to Change a Light Switch

For this blog, we will show you the step-by-step process of how to safely replace a light switch at home.

How to Replace Single-Pole Light Switches

• Turn off the power at the main breaker or panel.

• Remove the plate of the switch. Use an electrical tester to check if the electrical circuit is dead.

• Unscrew the switch from the box. Pull it with the wires still attached.

• Check the new switch with the old one so you can find the corresponding locations of the screws.

• Make sure to attach the first wire you unscrewed to the same screw on the new switch.

• Gently push it into the electrical box and screw it properly.

• Screw the plate back on and turn on the power.

How to Replace Three-Way Light Switches

• Turn off the power at the main breaker or panel.

• Remove the plate of the switch. Use an electrical tester to check if the electrical circuit is dead.

• Unscrew the switch from the box. Pull it with the wires still attached. Remove the wires from the switch.

• Attach the tagged wires to compatible terminals of the new switch.

• If the new switch has green wire, attach them to the green screw terminal of the new switch or the electrical box.

• Gently push it into the electrical box and screw it properly.

• Screw the plate back on and turn on the power.

Replacing Four-Way Light Switches

• Turn off the power at the main breaker or panel.

• Remove the plate of the switch. Use an electrical tester to check if the electrical circuit is dead.

• Unscrew the switch from the box. Pull it with the wires still attached.

• Check the locations of the wires, so you can easily replace them on the new switch. After that, remove the wires from the switch.

• Attach the tagged wires to compatible terminals of the new switch.

• Gently push it into the electrical box and screw it properly.

• Screw the plate back on and turn on the power.

• Replacing light switches with a dimmer

• Turn off the power at the main breaker or panel.

• Remove the plate of the switch. Use an electrical tester to check if the electrical circuit is dead.

• Unscrew the switch from the box. Pull it with the wires still attached. Remove the old wires from the switch.

• Use the wire nuts supplied with a fixture to attach black wires coming out from the dimmer switch to the colored wires that are attached to the old switch.

• Gently push it into the electrical box and screw it properly. Screw the plate back on.

• Push the knob and turn on the power.

And that's it! Your quick guide on how to change a light switch.

Sometimes, electrical appliances at home stop working because of electrical system failure. When it comes to these, contact an electrical company right away.

Contact us

Our company, Incan Electric, has provided Electrical Services in Southeastern Wisconsin for a couple of years. Our team of licensed and experienced electricians will help you with repairs, installation, maintenance, and upgrade of your electrical outlets in your residential, commercial, and industrial properties. Feel free to contact us for your electrical service needs.