Repairing Wall Switches

When the light is out, first replace the bulb with one you know will light. With the new bulb in the socket turn on the switch. If light doesn't go on, check the fuse box or circuit breaker in the basement. If fuses are all good or the breakers are not tripped, the problem is probably the switch.

1. Purchase a switch. If the light can be turned on from two different wall switches buy a "2-way switch". If only one switch turns on light, buy a "regular switch".
2. Remove fuse or flip circuit breaker to off, usually found in the basement.
3. Unscrew and remove the face plate on the wall switch.
4. Unscrew the top and bottom mounting screws and pull switch box out.
5. Loosen the terminal screws on the side or end of the switch and remove switch.
6. Connect a new switch to the wires. Hook wires in a clockwise direction around screws so wires will wrap around screw when it is tightened. The black wire should go to the brass colored screw and the white wire to the silvery colored screw.
7. Reassemble the switch, doing the above steps in reverse order.

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Additional Resources

Books, Videos, Magazines, Power tools, and Free Furnace Contractor Quotes

• Home Maintenance for Dummies
• Basic Wiring (Home Repair and Improvement)
• Advanced Wiring (Home Repair and Improvement)
• Wiring : Electrical Repairs and Improvements (Easy-Step Series)
• The Complete Idiot's Guide to Electrical Repair
• Lighting & Electricity (How to Fix It, Vol 4)
• The Virgin Homeowner : The Essential Guide to Owning, Maintaining, and Surviving Your Home
• New Fix-It-Yourself Manual

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