Replace Light Switches and Outlets

Remove the cover plate by loosening its screws with a screwdriver and then pop it off. Remove the old switch or outlet from the electrical box inside the wall by unscrewing the screws that anchor it to the box. Carefully pull the switch/outlet out of the box.

Safety Alert!

If you are changing a very old switch, wires may be loose or brittle. Be careful that they don’t break and then become too difficult with which to work.

Disconnect the wall wires from the switch by loosening the terminal screws. These screws secure the "hooked" end of the wires to the switch’s terminals. Single-pole switches have three wires: Usually one black (hot), one white (neutral) and a separate ground wire (usually green or bare copper wire). Note that some older homes do not have a ground wire. In addition, if this switch or outlet is in the middle of a circuit, there will usually be two white wires. Take note of how the wires are connected to the existing switch/outlet you are replacing so you can connect the new switch the same way. Use a wire cutter to trim off the excess bare wire that extends past the plastic insulation. Do this on every wire unless this shortens the wires too much (you’ll only have a few inches of wire to work with). Then use a wire stripper to strip off 3/8" of insulation from every wire. This will give you a clean wire end for the connection to the new switch.

Connect each of the wires from the electrical box to their corresponding terminals on the new switch/outlet. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions to be sure you’re making the right connections for your particular switch. Generally, the black wire connects to the brass screw, the white wires connect to the silver screws and the ground connects to the green screw on the bottom of the switch.

For each connection, use needle-nose pliers to twist each wire end and bend it into a hook shape. Wrap this hook around the terminal screw and then tighten the screw with a screwdriver.

Helpful Tip

Use the needle nose pliers to hold the hooked end of the wire under the terminal screw head as you tighten the screw down.

Gently pull each connection to make sure they are secure. Wrap electrical tape around the switch so that the tape covers each of the connections. This makes the connections even more secure and safe.

When all wires have been connected and the connections taped, bend them in a zigzag pattern so that they will easily fold into the wall box. Push the switch back into place. Tighten the two screws that hold it in position in the electrical box using a screwdriver.

Helpful Tip

Be careful not to over-tighten the terminal screws. You risk damaging the switch.

Return power to the circuit and test the switch/outlet to make sure your installation was correctly done. If the switch doesn’t work, turn off the breaker again and double check your connections. If it works, install the new switch/outlet plate and screw it into place using a screwdriver.

You’re done! Now you can replace light switches and outlets whenever and wherever they’re needed.