There are many reasons to replace a light
switch. For example, your current switch may not match the décor in your room or the color of
your walls. Maybe it is old and unreliable. Either way, it is a relatively quick, inexpensive
and simple project.
A 3-way switch allows you to control one or more light fixtures from 2 locations. The basic
principles of a 3-way switch are shown in the figure above.
Electrical basics are easy to understand, but working on electrical projects can be hazardous.
You should always take the proper precautions - turn off the circuit you are working on and
use tools with insulated handles.
• Beginner - 30 to 45 minutes
• Intermediate - 20 to 30 minutes
• Advanced - 15 to 20 minutes
Make sure you turn off the circuit you will be working on. Locate the breaker or fuse and
properly disable.
If you are using a plastic workbox, connect any ground wires directly to the switch.
Make sure you connect the wiring to the correct terminals on your new switch. Use the same
relative connections from the old switch. If this doesn't work, you may need to use "trial
and error" until the wires are connected correctly.
Use insulated tools as an extra safety measure.
To view a multimedia
demonstration of this tutorial, click here.
The demonstration requires Macromedia Flash 4 player. If you don't already
have it, click here to get it.
1.
The first
and most important step is to turn off the circuit that you will be working on. Find the right
breaker in the breaker box and flip it to the "Off" position. If you have a fuse
box, find the right fuse and remove it completely from the panel.
(Figure 1)
2.
You can
verify that the correct circuit has been turned off if the light controlled by the switch no
longer works.
3.
Remove the
old switch plate.
4.
Remove the
old switch from the workbox. (Figure 2)
5.
Unscrew the
wiring from the old switch. (Figure 3) Note the position of the wires
as you remove them. It will help when you connect the new switch.
(Figure 4)
6.
There are 3
wires that you will need to connect to the new switch - the common terminal that goes to the
light or comes from the breaker box, the two hot wires and the ground wire. The neutral wire
will not be connected to the switch.
7.
Attach the 3
wires to the new switch. Figure 1 will help you understand the basics involved. Refer to
wiring diagram that came with the new switch to make sure you are using the proper terminals.
Loop each wire so that it wraps around the screw in a clock-wise direction.
(Figure 5) This will keep the wire from slipping off as you tighten
the screw. (Figure 6)
8.
The neutral
wire should be spliced to the wiring that continues on to the next switch or to the light
workbox.
9.
The ground
wire should be connected directly to the switch if you are using a plastic work box.
10.
Wrap electrical
tape around the switch so that it covers all of the screw heads on both sides.
(Figure 7)
11.
Bend the
wires in a zigzag pattern so that they easily fold into the workbox. Push the switch into
place. Adjust the switch so that it is perpendicular to the floor. Tighten the two screws
that hold it in position.
12.
Install the
new switch plate over the switch. (Figure 8)
13.
Switch the
breaker back on (or re-install the fuse). Test the new switch to make sure the installation
was successful. Make sure you test the other switch used for this light. This will ensure that
the new switch is properly wired.
New Membership
Make sure you turn off the circuit you will be working on. Locate the breaker or fuse and
properly disable.
Make sure you connect the wiring to the correct terminals on your new switch. Use the same
relative connections from the old switch. If this doesn't work, you may need to use "trial
and error" until the wires are connected correctly.
Use insulated tools as an extra safety measure.
