• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Iekel Road Home
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • DIY
  • Design
  • About
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    How To Change a Light Switch to Update Your Space

    Published: Apr 20, 2020 · Modified: Mar 7, 2021 by Aly @ Iekel Road Home · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · #sponsoredpost ·

    152 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet

    I learned how to change a light switch last week and I cannot believe what a difference it makes to have simple white light switches. Sometimes updating a space is as easy as swapping electrical plate covers!

    how to change a light switch

    WHAT YOU NEED TO CHANGE A Light Switch

    Proximity Tester (can do without, but strongly recommended)

    Screw Driver

    Linesman Pliers

    Light switch (new)

    Electrical Tape

    BEFORE YOU BEING TO CHANGE A Light Switch:

    Turn off power to the light switch by locating the correct breaker in your electrical box.

    how to change a light switch

    Step 1: Take faceplate off lightswitch

    To remove faceplate you will need a simple flathead screwdriver. I was extra excited to remove this faceplate as it was a little too decorative for my taste.

    Step 2: Test with proximity tester

    Test the light switch to make sure there is no power coming in. Do this by resting the proximity tester on the side where wires attach.

    how to change a light switch

    Step 3: Remove screws holding the light switch in place

    Remove the light switch by unscrewing the screws located at the top and bottom of switch tabs with a screwdriver. You may even need to use a knife as sometimes paint can hold them in place to the wall.

    how to change a light switch

    Step 4: Pull the light switch out of box

    Pull the light switch away from the box to expose the wire connections.

    how to change a light switch

    Step 5: Remove the wire from the side of the light switch

    Remove the wires on the sides of the light switch by unscrewing the screws.
    *If you are working with a multiple switch box do one at a time to help remember where all the wires go.

    how to change a light switch

    Step 6: Install New Light Switch

    Install a new switch, placing wire back into the same position. Make sure to curve wire around the screw so that when tightening the screw the wire does not come loose.

    * Steps for connecting wires

    For the left side: Bring wire to the top of the screw and wrap in a clockwise motion to the bottom of the screw.

    For the right side: Bring wire to the bottom of the screw and wrap in a clockwise motion around to the top of the screw. 

    how to change a light switch

    Step 7: Tape around light switch covering screws and wires

    Using electrical tape, wrap the tape around the switch to cover screws and wire.

    how to change a light switch

    Step 8: Put light switch and plate cover back together

    Shove all wire back into the box, screw the light switch back in place, and add the new plate cover.

    The difference changing a light switch can make

    I am so happy with this little change. I am someone who pays attention to detail, especially in my own home, where I spend 99% of my time raising little people. So having decorative plate covers, and off white plate covers was a big distraction I was happy to invest the few dollars into making them disappear!

    More Home Upgrades

    How To Change A Light Fixture for Beginners

    How To Install Cabinet Hardware: Before and After Laundry Room

    How To Update Brass Fireplace Insert with Spray Paint

    How To DIY Mortar a Brick Fireplace Makeover

    PIN IT FOR LATER

    how to change a light switch
    « How To Change a Receptacle to Update a Room
    Shared Boys Bedroom Plans For A Small Room »
    152 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi! We are Greg and Aly, DIY enthusiast, licensed plumber and graphic designer, updating our home one project at a time. Follow along for budget friendly DIY home decor ideas. 

    More about me →

    Popular

    • How to Update Old Wicker Furniture
    • How To Paint a Brick Fireplace Step by Step
    • How to Create a Home Library Living Room
    • Hamuq Mattress Review: Canadian Hybrid Mattress

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    More

    • DIY
    • Design

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2021 Iekel Road Home

    152 shares