How to Change a Light Switch

Switch your switches like a pro

A woman’s hand turning off a light switch
Photo: Dima Anikin / Adobe Stock
A woman’s hand turning off a light switch
Photo: Dima Anikin / Adobe Stock
Deane Biermeier
Written by Deane Biermeier
Contributing Writer
Updated May 31, 2023

Difficulty

Intermediate

Perfect for handy homeowners.

Time to complete

45 minutes

Cost

Up to $25

Save big by DIYing.

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What you'll need:

TOOLS
  • Voltage tester (non-contact or probe type)
  • Screwdriver set or multi-bit screwdriver
  • Wire strippers
  • Needle nose pliers (optional)
SUPPLIES
  • Light switch
  • New light switch cover (optional)
  • Electrical tape

Old and worn light switches aren’t just a nuisance—they can also be dangerous. Your light switch can wear over time, becoming loose or potentially creating an electrical arc, and you’ll eventually need to replace it. If you have some patience and a little electrical knowledge, you can learn how to change a light switch and save yourself time and money.

Safety First

Only proceed with this project if you already have some home wiring and electrical knowledge. It's always advisable to hire a local electrician for any electrical work in and around your home if you're unsure how to perform the task safely. 

Before swapping light switches, refresh yourself on electrical safety procedures, including the assumption that every wire is live until proven otherwise.

Always turn off the power to the area where you’re working. Even if you're sure the power is off to the circuit you're working on, always test it before touching any part of the wiring or components.

Prepping to Change a Light Switch 

There are several reasons to change a light switch in your home, such as upgrading to a new look or color, replacing a switch that feels loose, or tackling a larger electrical issue with the light circuit. 

Some issues, like a flickering light, a light that won't turn on, or sparks or heat coming from the light switch, could be caused by deeper home electrical problems and are dangerous. If you're uncertain of whether or not the light switch itself is the problem, consult an electrician to troubleshoot the situation before proceeding with the replacement. 

This project is easiest and safest if you swap each switch with an identical replacement. However, there's some wiggle room if you're looking to alter the switch's look. 

Identify and Purchase the Switch Type You Want to Change

There may be numerous types of light switches around your home. This guide will walk you through how to replace them regardless of their types. However, take a few minutes to identify each switch you're swapping before going to the store and picking out your replacements. 

After identifying the type and quantity of switches you need, purchase a like-kind at your hardware store or home center. Single-pole, three- and four-way, and dimmer switches are replaceable with corresponding types in any style or color. 

Common styles include the familiar toggle, rocker switches with a large or somewhat flattened look, push buttons with two buttons up and down or side by side, and sliders and dials you’ll often see on dimmer switches. Note: This is not an exhaustive list, so consulting with an expert at the hardware store may open up more options.

5 different types of light switches compared by styles and descriptions, with smart switches working in conjunction with an app

How to Change a Light Switch

Now that you’ve got your hardware, it’s time to get to work. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to change a light switch yourself.

  1. Turn Off the Power

    Locate the breaker switch in your home's electrical panel that corresponds with the light circuit you're working on and turn it off to cut the power. Test the light and switch by turning it on and off to ensure it doesn't illuminate. This preliminary test only determines that you've located the correct circuit and doesn't qualify as a safety test. If the light turns on, continue switching off the breakers until you find the right one.

  2. Remove the Switch Cover

    A man changing the light switch cover
    Photo: The Toidi / Adobe Stock

    Use your screwdriver to remove the screws and the cover plate—it will most likely need a flat head or Phillips head bit. Take care when removing old switch plates that have been bonded to the wall with paint or wallpaper. 

  3. Test for Electrical Current

    Make sure your electrical tester is working before each use by checking for the correct reading on a known live circuit. Then, return to the switch you're replacing and confirm that no electrical current exists in the wires. 

    There are two types of voltage testers you can use. A probe tester works by touching one probe to the neutral wire terminal and one to the hot wire terminal while the switch is still in the electrical box. Or, you can use a non-contact tester by hovering over the wires and switch to ensure no voltage reading. If your tester doesn't respond or it reads zero during the test, you’re clear to get to work.

  4. Remove the Switch

    To remove the switch from the wall, use your screwdriver, usually the square or Phillips bit, to remove the screws on the light switch's end tabs. Pull the switch out of the wall until the wire terminals are exposed. Avoid pulling directly on the wires. 

  5. Label the Wires

    Before disconnecting the old switch, you'll want to record where the existing wires connect to the switch. On a single-pole switch, which terminal each hot and neutral wire connects to doesn't matter. However, three- and four-way switches have particular wiring configurations that must be replicated. 

    Identify the ground wire as the green or bare copper one, and note where it attaches to the switch. Wrap a small piece of electrical tape around the hot wire on three- and four-way switches. The hot wire will be the one connected to the black screw on the switch. 

    Write down where the other wires attach to the switch and their corresponding colors. The simplest way to record the configuration is to take several photos before proceeding to the next step.

  6. Disconnect the Old Switch

    Loosen the screw terminals and remove the wires from the switch, or if the wires are installed into the connection holes on the back, insert a small screwdriver into the slot next to the wire to release and remove it. 

    Inspect the wires for damage. If you find minor end damage, carefully use wire strippers to cut the end off, remove the first 1/2 inch of its casing, and use the needle nose pliers to bend the end into a “C” shape. Contact an electrician before proceeding if you find more than minor damage.

  7. Wire the New Switch

    To wire the new switch, use your photos or notes to connect the wires in the exact locations as they were on the old switch. Wrap the wire ends clockwise around the screws and turn the terminal screws clockwise to tighten them until firmly attached, but avoid overtightening. We recommend using the screw terminals instead of the push fittings for connecting wires to a switch to ensure a secure connection. 

  8. Install the New Switch

    Put on your electrical gloves and gather the wires, then gently guide them back into the electrical box as you push the switch back into place. Use the switch installation screws in the end tabs to secure the switch in position. Reinstall the cover plate—or install a new one to freshen up the look or accommodate a new switch style—by reversing its removal steps. 

  9. Test the Switch

    Turn the breaker switch back on from the home's electrical panel. Return to your work area and test the light and switch for functionality. If the light doesn't turn on, turn the breaker off again and test the circuit for voltage before troubleshooting the installation. 

    If the breaker trips immediately after turning it on, test for lack of power with your tester and check for a ground or neutral wire contacting a hot wire or terminal.

Should You DIY Changing a Light Switch? 

Changing a non-working or worn light switch is an excellent DIY project to control costs. While you'll need an electrician for most electrical work around the house, including diagnosing electrical problems and most installations, you can change a light switch yourself—but only if you have some electrical knowledge and understand proper safety procedures. Working with electricity can be dangerous, so don’t undertake a DIY task unless you’re confident you know what you’re doing.

While the cost of installing a light switch is manageable, if you have other electrical concerns or aren't comfortable attempting electrical work, we highly recommend staying safe and hiring an electrician to perform the job. 

If you're looking to replace an existing light switch with a smart switch, you'll likely need the services of an electrician to install a neutral wire in the location. Most smart switches require a neutral wire to operate, and typical switch locations don't usually include one.

Candace Nelson contributed to this piece.

Frequently Asked Questions

Usually, a light switch goes bad due to normal wear and tear. Light switches are mechanical devices with internal moving parts. These parts make contact with each other, and, over time, the friction can wear them down, causing the switch to feel loose, arc, or fail to operate. 

Need professional help with your project?
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Learn more about our contributor
Deane Biermeier
Written by Deane Biermeier
Contributing Writer
Deane has spent 30+ years in residential construction, contracting, remodeling, maintenance, and home repair, and now contributes DIY and educational articles for publications like Forbes Home and U.S. News. Throughout his career, he has strived to help homeowners find the potential hidden within the walls of every home and empower them to take control of their household repair and remodeling endeavors.
Deane has spent 30+ years in residential construction, contracting, remodeling, maintenance, and home repair, and now contributes DIY and educational articles for publications like Forbes Home and U.S. News. Throughout his career, he has strived to help homeowners find the potential hidden within the walls of every home and empower them to take control of their household repair and remodeling endeavors.
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