Installing or replacing electric switches - click here for an illustrated and animated guide.

How do I test a switch to see if it is working?

I recommend using a continuity tester. First, shut off the electricity going to the switch and remove it. Touch the tester leads to both of the switch's terminals. If the switch is working properly, the tester will light up when the switch is on and go out when the switch is turned off.

What type of switches will I need to turn a light on from two different locations?

You will need a three-way switch at each location. A three-way switch will have three terminal screws on it.

Is there a light switch that I can use to replace one in my house?

Yes, but is it a single pole or is it a three-way switch? A three-way switch is one that is used when a light is controlled by more than one switch.

What type of switches will I need to turn a light on from three different locations?

Two of the locations will use a three-way switch and the other location will need a four-way switch.

How do I connect a wire to the terminal on my light switch?

Bend a stripped wire 180 degrees by bending it over the tip of needle-nose pliers. Wrap the wire clockwise around the screw so that it will stay in place as you tighten the screw. Don't over tighten and make sure there is no insulation under the terminal.

The Single-Pole Toggle Switch

§ The ordinary single-pole toggle switch provides a means for breaking or feeding electrical current to a light, appliance, etc.

§ The single-pole toggle switch has two brass terminal screws. One wire (usually the black) is cut, then is connected to the two brass terminals.

§ The other wire (white) is uninterrupted from the power source to the light or fixture.

§ When connecting a wire to the terminal screw of a switch, always turn the loop on the end of the wire in the same direction as the screw threads, as shown in illustration A. If the loop is turned in the opposite direction (B), tightening the screw will loosen the loop.

§ If the wire connects to the terminal screw and then runs on, cut and strip the wire on both sides of the cut. Using a 6" piece of wire with both ends stripped-sometimes called a pigtail-and a wirenut, fasten the three wires together. Connect the pigtail to the terminal.

§ Use wirenuts or screw-on connectors to save time and effort when you must make a splice in any electrical wire.

§ Always cover any soldered connection with insulating tape. If soldered sections are rough, apply an extra layer of tape. Insulate the wire an additional inch or two beyond the soldered connection in each direction.

§ White wires should generally be attached to light-colored terminal screws such as silver. Black wires should generally be attached to dark-colored screws such as brass colored. If the terminal screws are the same color, either wire can generally be attached to either terminal. Green terminal screws are for grounding wires.