Electrical & Plumbing Repairs : How to Replace a Light Switch

When replacing a light switch, the first thing to do is cut off the power to the circuit. Replace a light switch with tips from a certified HVAC tech and plumber in this free video on electrical repairs.

Expert: James Drew
Contact: www.JNCHomeRepair.com
Bio: James Drew is the owner and president of JNC Home Repair in Austin, Tx. Drew is an HVAC certified tech with over two decades experience in plumbing, masonry, and carpentry.
Filmmaker: MAKE | MEDIA

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• home repairs
• home maintenance
• electrical repairs
• plumbing
• electrical wiring
• toilet
• bathrooms
• sinks
• showers
• electrical maintenance

[herself311]

my house is old and it doesn't have colored wires, so that's not fun. The wires are old too and it looks like copper but has a silver look over it. I know because the silver color scrapped off when I was gripping it to put it back in the screw.  Seems I did it wrong, it doesn't work so I'll try tomorrow.

[Techozek]

I'm sorry, but the practice in this video is terrible.

No identification of the switched line conductor?

Didn't verify that the circuit was dead?

No insulated screwdriver?

And no, the end of the circuit would not have different colours. Ever heard of loop feed method?

Clearly not.

[LordVoltRod2c]

Electricity should not be worked on without knowing how the circuit operates. First off you have HOT feed to the switch. Next you have HOT feed exiting the switch to the electrical device. In the center of this you have the switch to break the circuit. The WHITE neutral runs from fixture to panel. GREEN is ground and YES you MUST ground a switch! Please do NOT attempt electrical work without the proper education! CALL A PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN! There is NOT even room to explain all this!

[boatbrain2]

I would not cut the wire off the old switch until I was sure I had plenty of wire to spare.

[semco72057]

I did make the mistake of turning the stripped wire to the left and wondered why I had problems putting it back on. I learned something from this video and thanks for sharing.

[elect134]

Wow a white as a switch leg this is some educational stuff so not use 16 or 18 you need at least a 14 awg. this guy is an idiot.

[n3llylowrid3r]

coool!! I had one question..... My lighting doesn't work.... and I have the old school turn switches... does that make a difference? Please let me know... Thank You :^)