![]() Step 6: Give the New Switches a Quick Test Wrap the exposed copper part around the screw terminal, then tighten the screws firmly (make sure exposed wires aren’t touching other wires). In order to rewire the new switch, you’ll need to loosen the terminal screws if they’re tightened all the way.Īfter that, you’ll need to attach the feed, neutral, and ground wires exactly as they were attached to the old switch. Once all the wires are detached, remove the old light switch and bring in the new one. You can also use needle-nose pliers to help you get thick wires off the switch. To do that, you’ll need to remove any old electrical tape insulation and/or wire nuts ( see size chart here) to uncover the terminal screws and use the screwdriver to loosen the connection to the wires. Start by taking a good look at the old switch and where all the wires are connected.Īfter that, go ahead and remove all the wires. Once the faceplate is off, use a voltage tester to make sure no electricity is coming from the old switch. Make sure that you do that gently so that you don’t crack or break the faceplate. Remove the screws from the old faceplate and use a flathead screwdriver to pry it off the wall and expose the old light switch directly. When in doubt, simply shut off the electricity of the entire house to avoid any problems moving forward. Once you’re back, make sure that the electricity is off by testing out all the working light switches in the room and make sure that no lights will turn on. Locate the breaker responsible for electricity in the said room (usually labeled) and shut it off. To do this, head to the circuit breaker in your house and open the metal door. To avoid the risk of electrocution or shorting the circuit, you must always start by cutting off the electric power from the room where the outlet is placed. Step 2: Turn off the Outlet Power from the Circuit Breaker You might also want to wear protective gear like insulating gloves and protective eyewear for added safety. A new double light switch similar in amperage to the one installed.Here’s a quick look at what you’re going to need: ![]() To save yourself the hassle of going back and forth while installing your new combo light switch, you should gather all the necessary tools first. Step 1: Prepare All the Essential Tools for the Job Now that you know more about how double light switch wiring works, here’s how you go about installing one. This one is known as the “ground wire”, which is a safety wire that provides an alternative path for electricity in the case of an electric short.įor a standard light switch, you’ll typically connect the black wires to the black screws and connect the white ones to the gold screw terminals.Īny other wire colors shouldn’t be connected in double light switches because they’re designed for 3-way and 4-way switches. This one is called the “neutral wire”, which is the one that carries the electric current back from the appliance to the power source, closing the circuit. ![]() This is known as the “load wire” or the “hot wire”, which is the one that carries the electric current from the electricity source and through the switch. Ideally, a light switch circuit will have 3 colors of wires. (Leviton model double switch sold on Amazon) When you hold a new double light switch for the first time, a standard one will have 2 black screws on one side and two gold screws on the other side. You’ll be on your way to a switch with double-duty in no time! A Brief Overview of Double Light Switch Wiringīefore replacing the old switch with a new “combination switch” (a single switch with two toggles) or a two-gang switch, you should first have a better understanding of double light switches and how dual switch wiring works To do that, you’ll need to take care of two things: removing the old switch and rewiring the new one, and that’s where this trusty guide comes in!īelow, we’ll show you exactly how to replace a double light switch in simple steps, helpful tips and the safety pointers you need. Whether you want to operate two different light sets or a ceiling fan from the same location, having a double light switch is essential. ![]()
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