A single-pole light switch is the kind where one switch controls one set of lights.
Before You Begin
Before wiring the new switch, identify the wiring configuration.
Depending on the wiring, you may be unable to use a single-pole switch.
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Identify a Single-Pole Switch
A single-pole switch has two screw terminals on the side of the switch.
When the circuit is on, both terminals and their wires are hot or live.
There may also be a green grounding screw.
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Older single-pole switches may not have a grounding screw.
Safety Considerations
Electrical repairs come with some risk of shock.
Be careful about relying on the labels or circuit index inside your electrical panel.
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The circuit labels may be incorrect, so always check for power after shutting off a circuit.
If your panel has fuses instead of breakers, unscrew the appropriate fuse and remove it from the panel.
Use anon-contact voltage testerto test all of the wires in the switch box to confirm the power is off.
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Also, touch each of the switch’s side screw terminals with the tester probe.
Remove the Old Switch
Remove the two screws that hold the switch to the box.
Inspect and Disconnect the Switch Wiring
Note theswitch wiring.
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You should find:
Loosen each screw terminal and remove the circuit wire.
Inspect the end of each hot circuit wire.
Tighten the screws down firmly.
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Tug on all connections to check that they are tight.
Reinstall the switch cover plate.
Because the switch terminals are interchangeable, it doesnt matter which wire you put on each light switch terminal.
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Usually, wires coated in white plastic are neutral or grounding wires.
The black wires are hot or live, and red wires are also hot.
However, this can vary in some applications (e.g., a white wire can sometimes be hot).
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