A light switch that works sometimes, or doesn’t work at all, can be aggravating. A short circuit can cause a fire inside a wall that can smolder for hours before being detected. A simple way to eliminate the risk of fire is to replace the five-dollar light bulb. Styles vary from a simple toggle, to a flat, wall switch. Replacement, of the same type, is the easiest and least expensive way to get the job done. Warning! Working with electricity is dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Removal
Lights power to the breaker box. Check out my previous article on the dangers of electricity here. If you are unsure which breaker power supplies for your area, turn off the breakers on the top of the box. Flipping the main breaker will turn off the power to the whole house, so you’ll need a lamp. Remove the wall plate that covers the transition using a flat screwdriver. There are two screws, one at the top of the rod and one at the bottom, that hold it in the box. Remove the screws and place them. Pull the switch out of the box to reveal the two wires connecting it. Look at each wire and where it connects. Disconnect the wires and remove the switch.
Substitution
If you don’t have a new switch, take the old one with you to a hardware store and pair it with a new one. Leave the power on while you are away, because there are exposed wires that can cause an accident.
Make sure the light switch is right side up, (it’s in position) and reconnect the wires as follows. Loosen the wire connection screws as much as possible without removing them. wire around Pack them back inside where they came from. Just follow the bends in the wires and they will go back in.
This article is based on a single light switch, but the basics are the same for multi-switch boxes. Always remember that electricity, in the hands of a novice, can be dangerous. If you doubt your abilities, find someone who knows how to do the job. An accident with electricity can be very serious.
Sources: personal experience
