How can I change out a light switch?

I have those tall and wide %26quot;push%26quot; switches and they are hard to push.



How can I change them to a regular switches or new push switches? I can do it, I just need directions. Thanks!How can I change out a light switch?disconnect the power at the panel. Take the face plate off. Remove the two screws, top and bottom. Pull the switch out of the wall. Note where the wires are attached. Remove them. Place them on the new switch. Push it back into the wall. Screw it tight and level. Replace cover. Turn power on. SUCCESS!How can I change out a light switch?buy the switches you wont and put the black wire on the gold screw and the white wire on the silver screw then the copper wire on the green screw.How can I change out a light switch?tc is right only thing to add is make sure the switch is oriented the same if it has on/offHow can I change out a light switch?This is less frustrating if you have a helper. Turn on the light that

this particular switch is controlling. Go to the Circuit breaker box,

and look for a paper, telling which switch controls which lights, and appliances. If there is no list, have a friend watch the light that the switch (that you want to change)controls, as you flip each breaker switch off, and then back on, so as not to leave the fridge, or aquarium, or A.C. units off. With power off, use a flashlight, and remove the two screws,and cover. Take the top, and bottom screws out of the switch. Pull the switch out of the wall. Loosen the two or three screws holding black, and white, and maybe green wires. Transfer the wires to the new switch, as

removed from the old one. Push the wires back into the wall, and

replace switch, and cover screws. Have friend watch switch while you flip breaker back on. Now is a good time to list breakers

at main circuit box.How can I change out a light switch?Also, some old switches have push in wire connectors. This is where the wires are just pushed into holes in the back of the switch, instead of attached with screws. If you have this type of switch you'll need a very small Flathead screw driver to release the wires from the switch. There should be a slot right next to where the wire enters the switch. Insert the small screwdriver into the slot and wiggle the screwdriver back and forth as you pull on the wire. It can be a little tricky but the wire should come out.How can I change out a light switch?Your question suggests you have some comfort level in dealing with electrical household current.



Buy the replacements -- if you decide to use the regular thinner switch, then, apart from the switch(s) you need to purchase the plate(s) -- the switch cover(s).



Now all you need is a flat-blade screwdriver (regular screwdriver).



Turn on the light using the switch in question.

Turn off the circuit breaker to this switch -- once done, the light should be off.



Unscrew the two screws on the plate (outlet cover).



Unscrew the two screws securing the switch to the switch box.



Wiggle the switch out of the box.



Once out, unscrew each screw securing the wires to the switch -- sufficient to remove wire from switch. Generally, the screws do not have to be taken off the switch -- in fact, there will be some tension once backed out a bit. You may have to play with the wire a bit to take out as they are wrapped around the screws usually in such a manner that the cut part of the wire is on the clockwise position -- you may have to spread this loop a bit to allow easy removal. Take a look at how the wires are positioned. The above noted is %26quot;best practice%26quot; but you'll find some attachments not following this rule.



Attach new switch in reverse order.



Make sure, if the switch notes on/off, that Off is on top.

This may seem counterintuitive but when the switch is off (lower position) that is the text that will be revealed.



Again, wires should go around switch, looped clockwise -- screw down to secure.



Push down switch into box, you will have some resistance as they are thick wires.



Screw switch onto box -- using the screws already on the new switch. The switch should be screwed down to meet the box, or line up to the wall. (varies with box positioning).



Onto switch, screw on switch cover (plate).

If the plate isn't flat with the wall, then you need to remove it again, and screw down the switch just a bit more.



Again, screw the plate onto the switch.



Turn on the circuit breaker.



If lights are on -- and they should be -- Success !!



One last note: The wires on the switch are considered a HOT wire - they should both be black (on a Switch only) -- sometimes the original electrictian cuts corners and doesn't properly darken, or tape (with black tape) the white wire on a romex cable. Just make sure you use only those wires that were perviously attached to the switch orignially.



Future switch changing will be a breeze.How can I change out a light switch?You've got some pretty good advice so far. One thing that hasn't been mentioned. Are any of these switches three way or even 4 way? When two switches control one light that's three way and there will be three wires plus ground on each switch rather than two. On the old switch two screws will be one color and one another. Ditto the new switch. Copy what you see with respect to screw color - NOT position, sometimes the traveler wires (the two that are the same color) are on the same side of the switch, other times they're on the same end of the switch.How can I change out a light switch?TC has it right and simpleHow can I change out a light switch?Turn off the breaker. Pull out the old switch, remember how the wires are on, replace wires on new switch the same way the other switch was. This is a very simple change. Your neutral [white] should be by passing the switch going directly to the source, [light] and the hot [black] goes to the switch then to the light. Ground, [bare copper] will go to a green screw.