How Do You Change A Dimmer Switch To A Normal Light Switch

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Y'all may need to supercede or upgrade a light switch for a variety of reasons, such every bit if the switch becomes dirty, faulty, or outdated. Y'all may also find it useful to supplant old switches when preparing to sell your abode or when trying to make your home more efficient. Upgrading a light switch is a not bad time to look into options such every bit dimmer, combination, occupancy sensing, and other types of switches for increased convenience, comfort, and efficiency. Learning how to supervene upon a light switch is relatively easy and may be able to relieve you the toll of hiring an electrician.

1
Purchase a new light switch that meets your requirements at a local home repair or hardware shop. Tell the shop employee what kind of switch you want and how many y'all'll need, and they can assist you determine the all-time purchase.
- Single-pole switches are the simplest and nigh common. A unmarried-pole switch has simply two positions—"on" and "off."^[ane]
two

Disconnect the power to the calorie-free switch at your home's electrical service panel (also known as the breaker box or load center). ^[two] It'due south a steel box that may be located inside the firm, in the basement, in the garage, or along one of the outside walls. You can either turn off the breaker that controls the lights in the specific room you lot are working on or turn off all the power to the firm by switching off the main breaker.^[iii]

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3

Test the switch. Flip the light switch on and off several times to be sure the power is off.
four

Remove the switch plate cover. Using a flat-head screwdriver, turn the screws property the plate in place counter-clockwise to loosen them.^[four]
five

Unscrew the switch's mounting screws. ^[v] Once the switch plate cover has been removed, use a flat-head screwdriver to remove the screws mounting the switch to the wall. Plow the screws counter-clockwise until they are freed from the wall.^[six]
six
Remove the switch. Pull the switch away from the wall to expose the wiring, only leave the wires connected. Use a multimeter or a non-contact voltage tester to brand sure no power is going to the switch.
- Set up your digital multimeter to ohms and make sure it's on the lowest resistance range. Agree one probe against the grounding wire (green or bare copper), and touch the other probe to each of the screw terminals (located forth the sides of the switch) to come across if the switch has any voltage.
- If you're using a non-contact voltage tester, simply plough it on and hold the tip of the probe nigh each of the screw terminals, one at a fourth dimension.^[7]
- If you detect hot wires or voltage, stop the project until y'all tin turn off the power to the switch.
7
Pull out the switch. Pull the switch every bit far from the electrical box as the wires allow.
- Take conscientious note of how the switch is wired. The wires will exist continued to the switch past either screw terminals or push button-in connectors.
- Accept a picture or draw a diagram then yous tin can wire the new switch in the aforementioned fashion.
eight
Check the wires within the wall box and identify each wire. Use a marker or colored tape to uniquely label each wire so y'all can tell them autonomously.^[8]
- The box volition incorporate i or two cables (or sets of wires). If the box contains 2 cables, it means the switch is in the centre of the excursion. You'll see a total of six wires: two black (hot) wires, two green or bare copper (grounding) wires, and two (neutral) wires, which may exist black, white, red, or any other color than light-green.^[9]
  - Mark the wire connected to the brass screw terminal or to the hole on the same side every bit the brass last equally the "hot" wire.
  - Marking the wire connected to the argent screw terminal or to the pigsty on the same side as the silverish terminal as the "neutral" wire.
  - Finally, mark the green or copper wire connected to the greenish screw last (on the other side of the switch from the brass and argent terminals) as the "grounding" wire.
- If the box contains only a single cable (or unmarried set of iii wires), it means the switch is at the finish of the circuit. You volition encounter a black (hot) wire, a dark-green or bare copper (grounding) wire, and a third (neutral) wire, which may be black, white, red, or any color other than green.^[ten]
  - Mark the wire connected to the brass screw terminal or to the pigsty on the same side as the contumely terminal every bit the "hot" wire.
  - Mark the wire connected to the silver screw concluding or to the hole on the same side as the silver last every bit the "neutral" wire.
  - Finally, mark the dark-green or copper wire continued to the green spiral final (on the other side of the switch from the brass and silver terminals) equally the "grounding" wire.
9
Disconnect the wires from the old switch. The switch may accept either spiral terminal connectors, which volition exist located along the side of the switch, or push-in connector holes, which will be located at the back of the switch.
- If the switch has both screw terminals and push button-in holes, most electricians recommend using the screw terminals for a more secure connectedness. But do not over-tighten; you may break the internal parts of the switch. If you lot tighten the terminals and hear a scissure, discard the switch and use another.
- If the wires are connected to spiral terminals, turn each spiral counter-clockwise with a screwdriver to loosen and slide the wire out with a pair of needle-nose pliers.
- If the wires are connected to push-in connectors, the holes that the wires are pushed into volition typically have a modest slot beneath the hole. Insert a modest screwdriver into the slot and push button forrard to release the wire.
10
Begin connecting the wires to the new switch. Attach the black wire (hot) to the brass screw terminal.^[eleven] Either:
- Use needle-nose pliers to wrap a niggling more than half of the bare wire clockwise around the screw and and so tighten the spiral clockwise to secure the wire.
- Or push the wire into the button-in hole on the same side of the switch as the brass screw.
11
Adhere the white (neutral) wire to the argent screw final. ^[12] Either:
- Use needle-olfactory organ pliers to wrap a piddling more than half of the bare wire clockwise around the screw. Tighten the screw clockwise to secure the wire.
- Or push the wire into the hole on the same side of the switch as the silvery screw.
12

Attach the copper (grounding) wire to the dark-green screw final on the opposite side of the switch. ^[thirteen] Utilize needle-olfactory organ pliers to wrap a little more than half of the bare wire clockwise around the screw. Tighten the screw clockwise to secure the wire.
13

Double-check that the switch is properly oriented. You should see the word "peak" written on the switch indicating the side of the switch that should exist vertically oriented toward the top.
14

Advisedly button the wires back into the box and then button the switch up against the border of the box and tighten the mounting screws into place.
15

Replace the switch plate and tighten the screws into place. ^[14] Exercise not over tighten the switch plate, since information technology may scissure under too much pressure.
xvi

Return to the breaker box and plough the power to the lite switch back on. Become back to the new switch and flip it on and off several times to ensure it'due south in working society.

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1
Brand a written note or take a picture show of how each wire is connected to the switch. ^[15] A three-fashion switch allows yous to control one appliance from two or more locations.
- The switch may have either screw concluding connectors, which will exist located along the side of the switch, or push-in connector holes, which volition exist located at the dorsum of the switch.
2
Identify and marker each wire. A iii-style switch requires three wires: a hot wire, a neutral wire, and a traveler wire. The switch will also accept a green or bare copper grounding wire. The box may contain one or 2 cables, or sets of wires.^[16]
- Mark the wire continued to the colored screw terminal or to the hole on the same side equally the colored screw final (it will typically be a dark color and volition not be green) as the "mutual" wire.
- Mark the ii wires connected to the other two spiral terminals as the "traveler" wires.
- Mark the green or copper wire continued to the light-green screw terminal (on the other side of the switch) as the "grounding" wire.
3
Disconnect the wires from the old switch.
- If the wires are connected to screw terminals, plow each screw counter-clockwise with a screwdriver to loosen and slide the wire out with a pair of needle-nose pliers.
- If the wires are connected to button-in connectors, the holes that the wires are pushed into will typically take a small slot beneath the pigsty. Insert a minor screwdriver into the slot and push forward to release the wire.
4
Connect the wires to the new switch. ^[17]
- Connect the black (common) wire to the common spiral terminal, which you can identify because it will be a dissimilar color than the other two terminals (and not green).
- If the box contains ii cables or sets of wires, you volition attach the traveler wires (typically black and cherry) to the remaining two spiral terminals. Either: A) Use needle-nose pliers to wrap a little more than half of the bare wire clockwise around the spiral and so tighten the screw clockwise to secure the wire. Or B) push the wire into the button-in pigsty on the same side of the switch as the colored screw.
- If the box contains i cable or gear up of wires, y'all will attach the traveler wires (typically white and crimson) to the remaining two screw terminals. Either: A) Use needle-nose pliers to wrap a petty more than half of the bare wire clockwise around the screw and and so tighten the screw clockwise to secure the wire. Or B) button the wire into the button-in pigsty on the same side of the switch as the colored screw.
five

Double-check that the switch is properly oriented. You lot should see the give-and-take "acme" written on the switch indicating the side of the switch that should exist vertically oriented toward the meridian.
vi

Carefully push button the wires back into the box and then push the switch up against the border of the box and tighten the mounting screws into identify. ^[18]
7

Replace the switch plate and tighten the screws into place. Do not over tighten the switch plate, since it may crevice nether too much pressure.
8

Render to the billow box and turn the power to the light switch dorsum on. Go dorsum to the new switch and flip it on and off several times to ensure it's in working guild.^[19]

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1
Marking each wire in the switch box. A dimmer switch allows yous to control the brightness of a light fixture. Employ a marking or colored tape to uniquely label each wire and so you tin can tell them apart.
- Mark the wire connected to the brass screw last or to the hole on the same side as the brass terminal as the "hot" wire.
- Mark the wire connected to the silver screw concluding or to the hole on the same side as the silver terminal equally the "neutral" wire.
- Finally, mark the green or copper wire connected to the light-green screw terminal (on the other side of the switch from the contumely and silver terminals) as the "grounding" wire.
2
Disconnect the wires from the quondam switch. The switch may have either screw terminal connectors, which will be located along the side of the switch, or push button-in connector holes, which will be located at the dorsum of the switch.^[20]
- If the wires are continued to screw terminals, plough each screw counter-clockwise with a screwdriver to loosen and slide the wire out with a pair of needle-nose pliers.
- If the wires are continued to push-in connectors, the holes that the wires are pushed into will typically have a small slot beneath the hole. Insert a pocket-size screwdriver into the slot and push forward to release the wire.
3
Connect the wires to the new switch. Almost dimmer switches come with wires already attached. You lot volition see ii black lead wires and one green grounding wire.^[21]
- Strip 1/ii inch of insulation from each to expose the wire.
- Pair one of the black lead wires to the blackness hot wire in the switch box.
- Pair the other blackness lead wire to the white neutral wire in the switch box.
- Pair the greenish grounding wire with the bare or light-green grounding wire in the switch box.
- Wrap the ends of the paired wires together and secure with a wire nut.
iv

Double-check that the switch is properly oriented. You should encounter the discussion "top" written on the switch indicating the side of the switch that should be vertically oriented toward the top.
5

Advisedly push the wires back into the box and then push button the switch up against the edge of the box and tighten the mounting screws into identify. ^[22]
vi

Replace the switch plate and tighten the screws into place. Practice not over tighten the switch plate, since it may scissure under as well much pressure level.^[23]
seven

Return to the breaker box and turn the power to the light switch back on. Go back to the new switch and flip it on and off several times to ensure it's in working social club.

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Add New Question

Question

What do I need to replace a lite switch?

James Hornof is a Master Electrician and the Owner and President of B & Due west Electric based in Denver, Colorado. With over 2 decades of experience in the electric construction manufacture, James specializes in field installation, management, estimating, and design. He graduated top of his class in electrical trade schoolhouse and studied Business Direction at The Community College of Denver. James holds a Principal Electrician license in Colorado, Wyoming, and Texas.

Master Electrician

Adept Answer

You'll most probable demand a flat trim screwdriver to remove the comprehend plate and a phillips head screwdriver to remove the calorie-free switch from the box. It is besides a proficient idea to have a pair of wire strippers in example you need to re-strip the wire.
Question

Tin can changing a light switch electrocute you lot?

James Hornof is a Master Electrician and the Owner and President of B & Westward Electrical based in Denver, Colorado. With over two decades of experience in the electrical construction industry, James specializes in field installation, direction, estimating, and blueprint. He graduated superlative of his class in electrical merchandise school and studied Business organization Management at The Community College of Denver. James holds a Master Electrician license in Colorado, Wyoming, and Texas.

Master Electrician

Proficient Answer

Yep, it can. The first thing y'all should always do when replacing a light switch is to make sure that the circuit breaker is off so you don't get hurt.
Question

What volition happen when I plough the fuse back on if I've connected the wire incorrectly?

Reversed wiring can electrify things that should not exist live, such as lamp sockets or metal cases on appliances. You can buy an outlet tester for around $four that will tell you if your wiring is correct. Generally the blackness wire is hot and white is the neutral. Dark-green or bare is a basis.

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Video

To help y'all remember where each wire goes, remove each wire and attach it to the new switch one at a time so you lot know exactly where it needs to go.
When you change out a light switch from the electrical box, exist certain that the switch is straight vertically.
If you're connecting the switch wires to screw terminals, you may find it easier to first use needle-olfactory organ pliers to twist the wire into a clockwise loop earlier hooking information technology around the spiral terminal.
If the switch won't fit in the box, attempt trimming down the wires on the switch and using smaller wire basics (can be found at a hardware store)
Cover screw terminals and blank wires with electrical record for additional safety.
If the switch won't work, your wiring may be faulty. In this example, you may need to hire an electrician to investigate the cause. In the meantime, continue the switch intact and turned off.
Article of clothing prophylactic-soled shoes and use tools with rubber handles.
If you demand to expose more than of any one of the switches wires in club to securely connect it, use a wire-stripper to strip away about 1/2 inch of the insulation that surrounds the wire.
Older houses might not have a ground wire. If there isn't a grounding wire in the box but the new switch ''' does ''' take i, cap it off with a wire nut.

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If at whatsoever bespeak you feel unsafe or unsure how to proceed, phone call a professional person electrician.
Handling electrical wires tin exist dangerous and risky (though mitigated when you shut the power off), then utilise all possible precautions and intendance when touching wires or switches.
Note that not all dimmer switches are compatible with CFL bulbs.^[24]

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Things Yous'll Need

Flathead screwdriver
Phillips-head screwdriver
Excursion or voltage tester
Needle-olfactory organ pliers
Wire strippers (optional)
Marker or colored tape (optional)

About This Article

Commodity Summary X

To replace a calorie-free switch, outset past disconnecting the power to the switch by shutting off the billow for the room. Once the power is cut, remove the switch cover and mounting screws with a screwdriver and pull the onetime switch from the wall. Then, disconnect the wires from the spiral connectors on either side. Next, wrap the new switch wires around the spiral connectors and utilise a screwdriver to tighten them. Finally, push button the wires back into the box before mounting the new switch and switch plate to the wall. For tips on how to convert your low-cal switch to a dimmer switch, read on!

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