I was also trained, and been advised by professionals, to have the hook clockwise so it closes somewhat as you tighten the screw. When a switch or receptacle has a side mount option, available with some commercial grade options, I use this as opposed to the hooks. Not to be confused with back stabbing the connections which I absolutely do not recommend.
Very clear directions in your videos! I have to replace a dimmer wall switch with a single pole light switch that controls a new ceiling fan I had put in.The fan doesn't like the dimmer switch,even when the dimmer switch is full on,and it makes a noticeable humming sound. I assume I would attach the new single pole switch the same way as shown in this video?
It will work. And it is within code. However, it is a good idea to be consistent throughout your home/project. Most electricians will use the *lower* terminal for your *Black, source, line, hot, from the breaker box" The *upper* terminal will be the *load, to the light black wire* ______________________ You can carry this pattern through to receptacles by always having hot/line, from the breaker, on the bottom. _______________________ In this way, you will always know what is hot.
If any switches or receptacles are "sizzling" I certainly recommend they be repaired or replaced ASAP. A poor connection can cause this to occur, but it may also becdue to a faulty switch or receptacle. I recommend purchasing commercial grade switches and receptacles as opposed to residential grade. They cost a few dollars more, but in my experience they are built better and are worth the extra cost. When available I usually buy Leviton brand, but I have also had good success with Legrand and Eaton brands.
You should have removed the screws before you you put electrical tape and and connected the wires to new switch. Switches should be the same matching color. He did a useless job.
Thanks for the comment and recommendations. You are right I should have removed the screws before wrapping them with tape. I didn't have the right color on hand for the video and I even mentioned that at the 11-minute mark.
Very clear and concise video. I was really helped by it. Thank You!
You show a few key points that other demos miss. Great!
I appreciate that!
hook is wrong way..pushes wire as you tighten
I was also trained, and been advised by professionals, to have the hook clockwise so it closes somewhat as you tighten the screw. When a switch or receptacle has a side mount option, available with some commercial grade options, I use this as opposed to the hooks. Not to be confused with back stabbing the connections which I absolutely do not recommend.
Very clear directions in your videos! I have to replace a dimmer wall switch with a single pole light switch that controls a new ceiling fan I had put in.The fan doesn't like the dimmer switch,even when the dimmer switch is full on,and it makes a noticeable humming sound. I assume I would attach the new single pole switch the same way as shown in this video?
Yes, it should be the same process.
Hooks should be always clock wise installed - so they tighten in a saver way!
Very well presented. Thank you for your help.
So. What if u don't know what breaker controls that switch ? How do u find it without turning off all breakers?
Thank you very much. Great clear video. 👍
Thank you for this!
Glad it was helpful!
This helped me. Thanks..
Thanks for the vid it took longer to go to the store to get the stuff than it took to replace the light switch (that i broke throwing a dog toy 🙄)
Thank You!
You're welcome!
Connect ground FIRST always.
if I need to add length to the wire - what is the wire called I would need to order? for lights and outlets
Does it matter which screw the "Hot" wire is attached too?
It does not matter.
It will work. And it is within code. However, it is a good idea to be consistent throughout your home/project.
Most electricians will use the *lower* terminal for your *Black, source, line, hot, from the breaker box"
The *upper* terminal will be the *load, to the light black wire*
______________________
You can carry this pattern through to receptacles by always having hot/line, from the breaker, on the bottom.
_______________________
In this way, you will always know what is hot.
you do not need needle nose pliers the wire stripper has loop holes and small pliers on top.
I have multiple switches in my house that "sizzle" often. What is a quality brand switch I can get so this won't happen?
If any switches or receptacles are "sizzling" I certainly recommend they be repaired or replaced ASAP. A poor connection can cause this to occur, but it may also becdue to a faulty switch or receptacle. I recommend purchasing commercial grade switches and receptacles as opposed to residential grade. They cost a few dollars more, but in my experience they are built better and are worth the extra cost. When available I usually buy Leviton brand, but I have also had good success with Legrand and Eaton brands.
can i change the switch without turning off the breaker. its inaccessible.
No, I wouldn't recommend that
You should have removed the screws before you you put electrical tape and and connected the wires to new switch. Switches should be the same matching color. He did a useless job.
Thanks for the comment and recommendations. You are right I should have removed the screws before wrapping them with tape. I didn't have the right color on hand for the video and I even mentioned that at the 11-minute mark.