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.
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.
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.
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.
Remove the 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 over tightening. We recommend using the screw terminals instead of the push fittings for connecting wires to a switch to ensure a secure connection.
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.
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.
Types of Light Switches
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.
Cost to Change a Light Switch
In most cases, it costs between $60 and $300 to change a light switch, with an average cost of $150 depending on the type of switch and the cost of labor. Features like dimmer switches, timers, and smart switches can increase the cost of a light switch, and a three or four way switch can also cost more to install. A standard light switch is the most cost effective option to install, although it won’t have energy-saving features like a timer or motion sensor, so it could cost more over time.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
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.
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.
There are several signs to look for to determine if a switch is bad. For one, if you notice that the switch is loose, it's good to replace it before it becomes worse. Other signs of failure include a switch that feels excessively warm or hot, a buzzing sound, any occurrence of sparks while operating the switch, flickering lights, or just a general failure to turn the light on or off.
If you strictly adhere to electrical safety rules, including assuming that a circuit is hot until proven otherwise, and have some knowledge of how an electrical circuit works, you can likely replace a light switch by yourself without too much trouble. However, it's always advisable to call a nearby electrical pro to do the job if you're unsure of any steps necessary to change a light switch.
Becca Lewis is a content writer specializing in DIY, woodworking, and the outdoors. Her passion is giving people the inspiration and information they need to confidently tackle home projects. Her work can also be found on Lifehacker where she writes about methods to make all your home improvement projects simpler, cheaper, and more fun.
Becca Lewis is a content writer specializing in DIY, woodworking, and the outdoors. Her passion is giving people the inspiration and information they need to confidently tackle home projects. Her work can also be found on Lifehacker where she writes about methods to make all your home improvement projects simpler, cheaper, and more fun.
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