How to Wire a Light Switch in 5 Easy Steps

Introduction

Installing or replacing a light switch is a relatively easy do-it-yourself project that most homeowners can tackle. With some basic tools and following these steps, you can wire a light switch safely in your home.

Things You'll Need

Before getting started, make sure you have the following materials:

Step 1: Turn Off Power at the Circuit Breaker

The first and most important step is to turn off the power to the light switch at the circuit breaker box. Make sure to test that the power is off using a voltage tester before working on the switch wiring. Working on a live circuit can result in a serious shock.

To turn off the correct circuit:

Step 2: Remove the Existing Light Switch

With the power to the switch turned off, you can now safely remove the existing switch:

Step 3: Connect New Switch Wires

Refer to the wiring diagram on the new replacement switch to connect the wires correctly:

Tip

Step 4: Mount the New Switch in the Box

You're almost done! Now mount the wired switch back into the switch box:

Step 5: Turn Power Back On

The last step is to turn the circuit breaker switch back on to restore power:

It's always a good idea to test a newly wired light switch several times to ensure proper connection. If the light doesn't turn on or flickers, double check that all wire connections are tight and no copper is exposed. With the simple steps above, you can install a light switch quickly and safely.