How Do I Replace a Light Switch? | DIY Basics

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Difficulty Level: Beginner. If you are not 100% confident with installing a light switch, Lowe's recommends that you hire a professional. Call 1-877-GO-LOWES or low.es/324x4Lj to learn more about installation services through Lowe’s.
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[@CharlieRAnimaMX]

0:46 Please NEVER DO THAT The video incorrectly shows the tightening of both hot wires, joining the tip of the hook in the opposite direction to the tightening rotation. IF YOU DO THIS THERE IS A VERY HIGH RISK THAT THE CABLE WILL LOSE (during tightening) or IN THE FUTURE AND GENERATE POOR CONTACT (and therefore a risk of fire or arcing).
The correct way is to make the hook "turn" in the same direction as the tightening of the screw. As seen in the connection of the Ground Cable. at 0:56

[@jakeb8298]

How do I know which circuit breaker belongs to the switch that needs to be replaced?

[@BlueCollarD.I.Y]

Ahhh I just shut it all off if you're able haha

[@bostonelevatorsaviation]

you need the wire around clockwise

[@GardenHood]

Crazy right lol. Informing people the wrong way is how everhtbjng crumbles lol

[@melbendigo]

I live in an apartment, with a fuse box inside the apartment, containing two fuses for two different circuit in the the flat, and a breaker switch in the basement that control power to the fuses. Will it be OK to just unscrew the appropriate fuse, rather than turn off the breaker switch? Or is it safer to turn off the both circuits at the breaker? Thanks!

[@bigbadbillb]

I would just shut everything off, to be safe.

[@MrJoelMartinez]

Should you wrap the inside of the back of the switch with electrical tape once you wire it/ before placing it in the box????

[@MrJoelMartinez]

Sorry wrap the back ( not the inside) lol

[@djscrizzle]

Not required. Only place it's wise is when a switch is mounted to a metal mud ring, and even then, one wrap around the terminals only is all it takes.

[@TacoDaddy-mr8ig]

So. What if u don't know what breaker controls that switch ? How do u find it without turning off all breakers?

[@mommysonabudget9647]

I live in a mobile home and we tried to replace the face plates but upon unscrewing them we saw the they are a whole. how can we replace the face plates

[@lowes]

There should be an electrical box behind the face plate, which has threaded holes for the plate to screw into. If you don't see one, you'll definitely need to call an electrician to take a peek. Be careful, Tamara!

[@MinecraftPro97k]

Why do you always have to use a matching switch? There might be some switches that are discontinued...

[@bostonelevatorsaviation]

I doesn't have to be matching as long as you get a single pole if it is 1 switch or 3 way for 2 switches

[@kvdgadj]

My light switch has two white wire on one screw and one black wire. There is no ground wire?

[@s.mgardner1270]

How to install with confidence video step by step instructions

[@toastinat0r]

Please use a Multi-Meter to check power. DO Not use a non-contact voltage tester like shown unless you are familiar with electric, as they can be incorrect often

[@eukaryote-prime]

Can you elaborate on how/why?

[@lowes]

Here's a video on how to use a multimeter: bit.ly/29gY7wE. Thanks for watching.

[@toastinat0r]

Arlo Jeremy Non-Contact meters (If you read the instructions) Say to use on a known live circuit first to make sure it is working. However even after testing a known live circuit, Ive had non-contact testers not read correctly. Which would have lead to a nasty shock had i not known. Also they are known to go off with as little as 20 volts (Sometimes lower) Hope this helps

[@djscrizzle]

Even more safe.... Use a solenoid type electrical tester, like a Wiggy. They draw enough current, that phantom voltage isn't a problem, and when placed between hot and ground of a GFCI, will trip them in a real-world test.

[@kvdgadj]

My switch has only two screw. Two white wire on one screw and black wire on the second. No ground wire.

[@garretthopkins8986]

#Lowe's Home Improvement how to use a nail gun

[@lowes]

Great suggestion, Garrett! Going on the list...

[@garretthopkins8986]

Thank you!

[@classic32428]

20 amp switch on 14 g wire lol don't try an give free help

[@Decipheredsyntax]

What's wrong with my switch?

[@lowes]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@horaceclark354]

Lights will not come on bulbs ok