Cover Power Switch

Replacing Light Switches

Replacing Light Switches

 They just don’t make light switches like they use to. Haven’t you heard that one before! Well, it’s a fact in the case of light switches. You know when you need to replace a light switch when the switch simply does not turn on the light anymore or the light flickers when turning it on. Light switches that builders and electricians install in homes are the most inexpensive available on the market and their service life is about three years if the switch is located on a light circuit that is frequently used such as in kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. They cost less than a $1.00 each, whereby good quality light switches cost approximately $2.50 or more and will last for ten or more years.

Nearly every home owner needs to replace light switches from time to time. He can either do it himself or call an electrician that will charge you just about a $100.00 to change a light switch. This is a simple task that any home owner can perform with ordinary household tools.

Tools required:

• Screwdriver

• Long-nose pliers

• Voltage tester

• Wire strippers

• Wire cutters

Types of Electrical Switches:

There are three basic types of light switches used in homes:

a. Single-pole switch – which is the most common switch. It is identified by two wire terminals plus a ground wire. The toggle on a single-pole switch is clearly marked “On” and “Off”.

b. Three-way or four-way switch – this electric switch is not marked “On” and “Off” because it depends on the other switch (s) in the circuit as to it is “On”  or “Off” being in an up or down position. They have three wire terminals plus a ground wire. This type of switch works in tandem with another three-way or four-way switch so power can be turned on and off from two or more different locations.

c. A Dimmer switch – this type of switch dims or raises the lighting level.  

How to Replace the Light Switch

1.  Remove power from the light switch by turning off the circuit breaker that feeds the switch. It may be labeled in the circuit breaker box, if not, turn the light switch on and off to ensure you have the correct circuit breaker. If the light goes out you have the correct breaker. If you are not positive check for voltage once the light switch wiring is exposed.

2.  Remove the light switch cover.

3.  Test for power using the voltage tester to insure that there is no power on the circuit.

4.  Unscrew the two screws that hold the switch in the box and pull the switch out of the box.

5.  Label each wire. If it is a single pole switch it has two black wires and a ground wire; green or bare copper. One of the black wires brings the current to the switch and the other takes the current from the switch to the light.

6.  Loosen the terminal screws and pull off the wires. If the wires are attached to the switch by the “push in” connectors cut the wires from the switch as close to the switch as possible.

7.  Remove the old switch and verify the new one is the same type.

8.  Put the wires on the new switch terminals and tighten the terminal screws. If you had to cut the wires you will need to strip about ¾ of an inch of the wire insulation away and attach them to the new switch by the terminal screws or push the wires into the “push in” holes.

9.  Install the new switch in the switch box by folding the wire into the box and replace the screws.

10.Ensure that no bare wire is contacting anything.

11.Replace the light switch cover.

12.Set the circuit breaker in the “On” position and test the new switch.

If the switch is a three-way or four-way switch there will be four wires; a black, red, and white, and a ground wire (green or bare copper wire) attached to the switch. Label the wires with a piece of tape before disconnecting them. Install the new switch in the same orientation as the old switch. Attach the wires to the switch and install the switch in the box. Install the cover plate and turn on the circuit breaker.

If the switch is a dimmer switch it could be a single pole or three-way switch. In either case it is wired just like the single pole and three-way switch above.

About the Author

Les Donovan has extensive experience in the DIY home improvement and repair business from basic and custom home construction, finish carpentry and landscaping. He offers DIY detailed suggestions for interior and exterior project to enhance your home and save you money. We can help you make your home your castle.

POWER SWITCH COVER FOR TSP800 TSP100 TSP650 TSP700 FVP-10 GRY $1.99 POWER SWITCH COVER FOR TSP800 TSP100 TSP650 TSP700 FVP-10 GRY

Pink Flower Lace Ornate Home Wall Plate Power Switch Cover $6.49 Description:Ornate Switch Cover can protect your power switch well.Material: lace and clothHome Wall Plate Switch Cover is a beautiful and ideal decoration for your power switch.Double adhesive sticker of the Pink Flower Switch Cover for mount the wall firmlyColor: as picture shownSize of outside: 23.8cm(diameter)Size of inside: 8 x 8.5(L*W)cmWeight: about 10.5gwall plate switch is not includedPackage Contents:1 x Lace Switch CoverAttention: Please measure your power switch before buying this switch cover

Switch Cover $1.5 Switch Cover

Pair Flower Lace Ornate Home Wall Plate Power Switch Cover $4.49 Description:Pair Flower Lace Ornate Home Wall Plate Power Switch Cover is 100% new and beautiful.Power Switch Cover can protect your power switch well.Lace Power Switch Cover is a beautiful and ideal decoration for your power switch.Material: lace and clothWashable by hand, not suitable by washing machine or chloride of limeDouble adhesive sticker for mount the wall firmlyColor: as picture shownSize of outside: 23cm in diameterSize of inside: 8 x 7.4cmWeight: about 23gwall plate switch is not included herePackage Contents:2 x Home Wallplate Lace CoverAttention: Please measure your power switch before buying these two Wall Switch Covers

Power Switch Lockout- Switch Locked Out $9 Electrical lockouts keep switches from being turned on while equipment is locked out. Wall switch lockout kit includes 1 lockout and 1 package of 5 removable "Switch Locked Out" lockout labels Mount acrylic wall plate, slide the cover over the switch, and secure switch lockout device with padlock Additional removable lockout labels can be purchased in packages of 5

Canvas Wall Plate Switch Cover with Flowers Decorate $6.49 Description:Canvas Switch Cover can protect your power switch well and decorate your house.It is made of canvas and cotton materials.Wall Plate Switch Cover is a beautiful and ideal decoration for your power switch.Adhesive stickers of the Flower Switch Cover for mount the wall firmlyColor: as picture shownSize of inside: 8.5 x 8(L*W)cmWeight: about 22.5gwall plate switch is not includedPackage Contents:1 x Switch CoverAttention: Please measure your power switch before buying this switch cover

85726 Switch Cover 2P $1.41 Switch Cover

Power Switch Lockout- A Life Is On The Line $9 Electrical lockouts keep switches from being turned on while equipment is locked out. Wall switch lockout kit includes 1 lockout and 1 package of 5 removable "A Life Is On The Line" lockout labels Mount acrylic wall plate, slide the cover over the switch, and secure switch lockout device with padlock Additional removable lockout labels can be purchased in packages of 5

Power Switch Lockout- Do Not Operate $9 Electrical lockouts keep switches from being turned on while equipment is locked out. Wall switch lockout kit includes 1 lockout and 1 package of 5 removable "Do Not Operate" lockout labels Mount acrylic wall plate, slide the cover over the switch, and secure switch lockout device with padlock Additional removable lockout labels can be purchased in packages of 5

Power supply switch KS-1 $68.99 Power Supply Switch KS-1

Pair Lace Ornate Wall 3 Gang Power Switch Cover Light Yellow And Pink $6.99 Description:,,,This pair of Wall Power Switch Cover is 100% new and beautiful.Wall Switch Lace Cover can protect your 3 gang power switch well.Pair Lace Cover is a beautiful and ideal decoration for your power switch.Made of high quality lace and cotton.Color: Light Yellow and pinkSize of outside: 29 x 19cmSize of inside: 15.6 x7.2cmWeight: about 23gPackage Contents:2 x Ornate Wall Switch Cover

Star Trek TNG Rocker Switch Light Switch Cover $14.99 Ditch that plain light-switch cover! Put this on your light switch! Trek out your house with this light-switch cover! Trek out your house and beam your living space into the future with this colorful switch cover with graphics based on the LCARS computer! Dilithium Crystals may not power you, but you can bring the dream into your home. It's a GNDN lighting control for larger rocker-style light switches that measures about 5-inches tall x 2 3/4-inches wide. Fascinating!

Double Bear Decorate Lace Cloth Home Wall Plate Switch Cover $6.49 Description:Cloth Switch Cover can protect your power switch well.Material: lace and clothHome Wall Plate Switch Cover is a beautiful and ideal decoration for your power switch.Double adhesive sticker of the Bear Decorate Switch Cover for mount the wall firmlyColor: as picture shownSize of inside: 8.3 x 8(L*W)cmWeight: about 11gwall plate switch is not includedPackage Contents:1 x Lace Switch CoverAttention: Please measure your power switch before buying this switch cover

Cloth Home Wall Plate Switch Cover with Flower Decorate $6.49 Description:Cloth Switch Cover can protect your power switch well and decorate your house.It is made of canvas and cotton materials.Wall Plate Switch Cover is a beautiful and ideal decoration for your power switch.Double adhesive sticker of the Flower Decorate Switch Cover for mount the wall firmlyColor: as picture shownSize of inside: 8 x 7.5(L*W)cmWeight: about 22.5gwall plate switch is not includedPackage Contents:1 x Cloth Switch CoverAttention: Please measure your power switch before buying this switch cover

Reflective Glow Light Switch Cover $6.99 Reflective glow light switch covers indicate where light switches are located during a power outage. Exceed NFPA standards 5x for bright white visibility in a power outage. Self-adhesive light switch cover with water-resistant backing. Easily mark floors, stairways, floors, exit routes and fire equipment. Patented material glows brighter than standard glow-in-the-dark materials Appears bright white in darkness, fog smoke and fire. Reflects light and glows bright with the highest level of reflectivity combined with the advanced technology of photoluminescence. Glow for one hour after only ten seconds of light exposure. 3-1/4"h x 2"w.

COVER,UNIVERSAL WALL SWITCH $14.99 COVER,UNIVERSAL WALL SWITCH

Papagayo - Switch Plate Cover $10.35 Papagayo - Switch Plate Cover

Fallback Power Switch - redundant switch $309.99 Black Box Fallback Power Switch - Redundant switch ( rack-mountable ) - AC 208-240 V - 9 output connector(s) - 1U

Star Trek LCARS Light Switch Cover $14.99 Jettison that boring light-switch plate! Trek -out your house with this cool LCARS Light Switch Cover! Features graphics based on the LCARS computer from Star Trek. Jettison that boring light-switch plate and beam your living space into the future with these colorful switch-plate graphics based on the LCARS computer from Star Trek. Dilithium crystals may not power your world, but now you can bring the dream into your home! The LCARS Light Switch Cover measures 4 1/2-inches tall x 2 3/4-inches wide and is for standard toggle light switches. LCARS stands for Library Computer Access/Retrieval System, the computer operating system in the Star Trek television series and movies.

Power EMI Filter with Built-In Power Switch $14.95 RetroArcase.us Retro Arcade Power EMI Filter with Built-In Switch Replacement Switch

Emedco Switch Lock-Out $26.39 Emedco switch lock-out stops switches from being turned on or off. Made of durable 1/8" acrylic, the 2-piece lock-out is easy to use on all standard switches. Mount wall plate over power switch with supplies screws and perform lock-out as needed by sliding the cover over upright lock-out holes. Secure with 1 or 2 padlocks, sold separately, making switch inaccessible until locks are removed. Supplied with your choice of removable warning decals that adhere to the switch cover and include an area for employee name and date. Choose from 5 messages in full pkg. of 5 identical labels.

Belkin Conserve Power Switch $14.95 The Belkin Conserve Power Switch provides a simple way to save energy and reduce utility costs. Electronic devices left plugged in when not in use can still draw power. The Conserve Power Switch cuts power with the flip of a switch. There is no need to unplug cords from the wall, which means your worktops and floor areas stay tidy. The Belkin Conserve's slim design allows two switches to fit next to each other in a standard wall outlet, and it features an illuminated easy-flip power button, so you know when power is active. Cut Power to Any Device with the Flip of a Switch The Belkin Conserve Power Switch gives you all the benefits of unplugging your devices without the hassle. An illuminated easy-flip power switch on the side of the Conserve Power Switch makes it easy to know whether the device plugged in is drawing power. Any device plugged into the Conserve Power Switch will draw zero power until you flip the switch to the on position. Save Energy and Money In a typical American household, there are up t Type: Power Switch Compatible Phone Manufacturer: Universal

2 Gang Wall Mount Light Button Switch Plate Cover $7.99 Description:This Light Button Switch Plate is a great addition to any room or den.It is a beautiful way to spice up a room with some customized decor.Graceful and classical decoration style Wall Light Switch Plate.Easy installation and safe operation.The Switch Plate Cover suitable for office, home, bedroom light switch replacement.Comes with 2 screws for easy installation.Rated Power: 10A 250V~Material: ABSSize: ~8.7(L) x 8.7(W)cmWeight: 87gPackage Contains:1 x 2 Gang Light Switch Plate2 x Screws

3 Gang Button Wall Mount Light Switch Plate Cover $8.99 Description:This 3 Gang Light Switch Plate is a beautiful way to spice up a room with some customized decor.Graceful and classical decoration style Wall Light Switch Plate.Easy installation and safe operation.The Switch Plate Cover suitable for office, home, bedroom light switch replacement.Comes with 2 screws for easy installation.Rated Power: 10A 250VMaterial: ABSSize: ~8.7(L) x 8.7(W)cmWeight: 82gPackage Contains:1 x Light Switch Plate2 x Screws

1 Gang Button Home Wall Mount Light Switch Plate Cover $7.49 Description:Smooth finished 1 Gang Light Switch Plate is a beautiful way to spice up a room with some customized decor.Graceful and classical decoration style Wall Light Switch Plate.Easy installation and safe operation.This Switch Plate Cover is suitable for office, home, bedroom light switch replacement.Comes with 2 screws for easy installation.Rated Power: 10A 250V~Material: ABSSize: ~8.6(L) x 8.6(W)cmWeight: 64gPackage Contains:1 x Light Switch Plate2 x Screws

4 Gang Button Home Wall Mount Light Switch Plate Cover $9.49 Description:Smooth finished 4 Gang Light Switch Plate is a beautiful way to spice up a room with some customized decor.Graceful and classical decoration style Wall Light Switch Plate.Easy installation and safe operation.This Switch Plate Cover is suitable for office, home, bedroom light switch replacement.Comes with 2 screws for easy installation.Rated Power: 10A 250V~Material: ABSSize: ~8.6(L) x 8.6(W)cmWeight: 92gPackage Contains:1 x Light Switch Plate2 x Screws

Home Wall Mount Light Switch Plate Cover with 2 Gang Button $8.49 Description:Smooth finished 2 Gang Light Switch Plate is a beautiful way to spice up a room with some customized decor.Graceful and classical decoration style Wall Light Switch Plate.Easy installation and safe operation.This Switch Plate Cover is suitable for office, home, bedroom light switch replacement.Comes with 2 screws for easy installation.Rated Power: 10A 250V~Material: ABSSize: ~8.6(L) x 8.6(W)cmWeight: 81gPackage Contains:1 x Home Light Switch Plate2 x Screws

Home Wall Mount Light Switch Plate Cover 3 Gang Button $8.49 Description:Smooth finished 3 Gang Light Switch Plate is a beautiful way to spice up a room with some customized decor.Graceful and classical decoration style Wall Light Switch Plate.Easy installation and safe operation.This Switch Plate Cover is suitable for office, home, bedroom light switch replacement.Comes with 2 screws for easy installation.Rated Power: 10A 250V~Material: ABSSize: ~8.6(L) x 8.6(W)cmWeight: 102gPackage Contains:1 x Light Switch Plate2 x Screws

Home Wall Mount 3 Gang Button Light Switch Plate Cover $10.2 Description:Smooth finished 3 Gang Light Switch Plate is a beautiful way to spice up a room with some customized decor.Graceful and wonderful decoration style Wall Light Switch Plate.Easy installation and safe operation.This Switch Plate Cover is suitable for office, home, bedroom light switch replacement.Comes with 2 screws for easy installation.Rated Power: 16A 250V~Size:Approx. 3 3/8" x 3 3/8"(L*W).Weight: 99.9gPackage Contains:1 x Light Switch Plate2 x Screws

2-Gang Wall Mount Light Button Switch Plate Cover $9.2 Description:Smooth finished 2 Gang Light Switch Plate is a beautiful way to spice up a room with some customized decor.Graceful and wonderful decoration style Wall Light Switch Plate.Easy installation and safe operation.This Switch Plate Cover is suitable for office, home, bedroom light switch replacement.Comes with 2 screws for easy installation.Rated Power: 16A 250V~Size:Approx. 3 3/8" x 3 3/8"(L*W).Weight: 86.2gPackage Contains:1 x Light Switch Plate2 x Screws

Raspberry Swirl Switch Plate Cover $10.75 Raspberry Swirl Switch Plate Cover

Pro Inverter Remote Switch Adapter - Remote power switch $11.99 Whistler Pro Inverter Remote Switch Adapter - Remote power switch

AUTOLOC POWER ACCESSORIES 82338 Illuminated 3 Position Rocker Switch with Arrows $34.94 Illuminated 3 Position Rocker Switch with Arrows. Height: 1.25amp;quot; (31.8mm). Width:.70amp;quot; (17.8mm). Depth: 1.39amp;quot; (35.5mm). Terminals: 6. Terminals Arrangement: Mix. Material: Plastic. Mounting Hole: Square. Amp: 20 Amp. Frame: Round. Volts: 12 Volts DC. Cover: None. Low Power Consumption. Low Heat. Detailed Instructions. Toll Free Tech Support.

AUTOLOC POWER ACCESSORIES 89889 3 Position Oval Rocker Switch With Indicator $38.99 Our large selection of highquality rocker switches solve all your circuitinterrupting needs. Available in an endless assortment of colors' sizes' illumination options' and styles we are sure to have the switch that meets your needs. Ideal for power windows' door locks' sunroofs' linear actuators' and much more. Height: 1.06amp;quot; (27mm). Width: 1.02amp;quot; (26mm). Depth: 1.83amp;quot; (46.5mm). Terminals: 6. Terminals Arrangement: Stag. Material: Plastic. Mounting Hole: Square. Amp: 20 Amp. Frame: Round. Volts: 12 Volts DC. Cover: None. Low Power Consumption. Low Heat. Detailed Instructions. Toll Free Tech Support.

Home Wall Mount Light Switch Plate Cover with 3 Gang Button $8.49 Description:Smooth finished Switch Plate Cover is a beautiful way to spice up a room with some customized decor.Graceful and classical decoration style 3 Gang Button Switch.Easy installation and safe operation.Made of plastic.This Wall Light Switch is suitable for office, home, bedroom light switch replacement.Comes with 2 screws for easy installation.Rated Power: 10A 250V~Material: ABSSize: ~8.6(L) x 8.6(W)cmWeight: 77gPackage Contains:1 x Home Light Switch2 x Screws

The Switch $16.44 Melina Lloyd's identical twin sister, Gillian, is brutally murdered, after an evening spent subbing for Melina as the official Dallas escort of the astronaut Colonel Christopher Hart. When the police prove inept, Hart joins Melina in a quest for the truth. Soon, the two are heading down a dangerous road that leads to a demented power-mad maniac who has picked out his second victim: the identical twin of his first.

Web Power Switch $250 NEW!  Web Power Switch Web control is here!  You've found the most reliable, cost effective power controller on the market!  This remote switch with built-in web server is ideal for home and commercial use.  Control Any AC Appliance! Control anything anywhere! Save time, eliminate service calls, save power.   Switch PCs, servers, routers, lighting, even industrial machinery via the web! Customize the web pages with your own links. Do it all securely from any web browser! Incredible Value - From $169.95!! we have built over 16,000 of  the best selling power switches on the market.   Customize your switch with cost-effective options: Add high current surge suppression. Add a rack mount bracket for "zero-U" installation. Add AutoPing to remotely monitor your servers.

Para Systems / REMOTE POWER MANAGEMENT SWITCH / RPM1601 $437.17 Para Systems - REMOTE POWER MANAGEMENT SWITCH - RPM1601

This entry was posted on Friday, August 11th, 2006 at 3:06 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.