Replacing a light switch is one of those tasks that is extremely handy to know and quite easy to understand. However, despite the simplicity involved, it’s not all that easy. In fact, it can be a significant safety risk to replace a light switch without having at least some basic knowledge about electricity and how it works.
Before doing anything else, it’s important to cut all power to the switch. This means turning off the power at the main circuit breaker or fuse panel. This is the MOST IMPORTANT step for replacing a light switch safely, since without it, you run the risk of electrocution, and it can actually be fatal.
Once you cut the power, you can unscrew and remove the switch plate using a basic screwdriver, and then use an AC voltmeter to check and see if the electricity is really off. As you remove the old switch with the wires still attached, gradually unscrew each of the three wires that connect it to the circuit one at a time, and connect them to the new switch at the exact same locations. Then all you have to do is screw the new switch in place of the old one into the electrical box, screw on the switch plate, and finally turn on the power. Make sure that turning the electricity back on is the very LAST step!
If you don’t have the necessary knowledge, experience, dexterity or confidence in working with high voltage electric circuits safely, consider hiring one of the electricians Denver has for the job. They will replace your light switch in no time and also provide you with valuable advice for managing similar problems in the future.