A light switch operates by opening and closing an electrical circuit. A typical light switch has a shoulder that moves back and forth as you flip the switch (figure A). The shoulder pushes a metal contact (figure B) away from the power source to turn off the switch, and it lets the contact touch the power source to turn the switch on. Upgrading or replacing a light switch is a simple project. Turn off the power at the circuit-breaker box, and remove the cover from the existing switch. Use a circuit tester to make sure the power is off: Hold one lead against the bare ground wire, and touch the other lead to both of the black wires attached to the switch. If the power is off, go ahead and remove the switch by taking out the retaining screws. In most cases, two black wires will be attached to the switch. The white wires will be connected, and the ground wires will be connected and attached to the grounding screw on the switch (figure C). Disconnect the wires from the switch by loosening the terminal screws (leave the white wires connected). Then connect the wires onto the new switch, secure the switch to the junction box, and replace the cover. Safety Tips: - Always turn off the power at the circuit-breaker box.
- Work with only one color of wire at a time.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Make safety your top priority.
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