Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums >
  • General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
  • Have you ever replaced a light switch? >
  • Have you ever replaced a light switch?

  • Have you ever replaced a light switch?

    Thread Tools
     
    Old 12-06-2015, 09:33 AM
      #1  
    Super Member
    Thread Starter
     
    Join Date: Nov 2008
    Location: Seacoast New Hampshire
    Posts: 1,177
    Default Have you ever replaced a light switch?

    My switch just popped out and Lowes says I have to replace the entire switch and buy a voltage regulator to be sure the power is off.

    Other than that, any helpful hints? I would hate to get zapped today.
    Butterfli19 is offline  
    Old 12-06-2015, 09:53 AM
      #2  
    Power Poster
     
    Join Date: Mar 2013
    Location: Corpus Christi, Tx.
    Posts: 16,105
    Default

    Check You Tube. Call an electrician.
    tessagin is offline  
    Old 12-06-2015, 09:54 AM
      #3  
    Senior Member
     
    Join Date: Oct 2012
    Location: Southington, CT
    Posts: 819
    Default

    Call an electrician. Seriously.
    Pudge is offline  
    Old 12-06-2015, 10:10 AM
      #4  
    Super Member
     
    Chasing Hawk's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Jan 2010
    Location: Pacific Northwest
    Posts: 9,290
    Default

    Make sure the breaker is off in the room you are replacing the switch in. It's easy to replace I have done it several times.
    Or round up a handyman relative or friend to do it.
    Chasing Hawk is offline  
    Old 12-06-2015, 10:43 AM
      #5  
    Super Member
    Thread Starter
     
    Join Date: Nov 2008
    Location: Seacoast New Hampshire
    Posts: 1,177
    Default

    No one is available today and they say the main thing is to be sure the power is off and the rest is mechanical. I've watched before but this will be my first time trying.
    Butterfli19 is offline  
    Old 12-06-2015, 11:04 AM
      #6  
    Power Poster
     
    Join Date: Jan 2011
    Location: Southern USA
    Posts: 16,165
    Default

    Do you mean the toggle switch? Turn off the breaker in the breaker box that supplies the power to that switch. Change it out, usually three wires that have wire clasps attached with screws. A youtube video will guide you through. Should take you about 10 min. Replacing a switch or plug doesn't require a license but wiring it does.
    Onebyone is offline  
    Old 12-06-2015, 11:12 AM
      #7  
    Super Member
    Thread Starter
     
    Join Date: Nov 2008
    Location: Seacoast New Hampshire
    Posts: 1,177
    Default

    Yes, the toggle switch. I went to turn off the light and it came right off, never knew that could even happen. I wouldn't attempt to wire anything.
    Butterfli19 is offline  
    Old 12-06-2015, 01:19 PM
      #8  
    Power Poster
     
    Join Date: Jun 2011
    Location: Southern California
    Posts: 19,127
    Default

    I have one of those devices that test for electricity is still on. Very handy to have in your tool box.
    ManiacQuilter2 is offline  
    Old 12-06-2015, 01:29 PM
      #9  
    Power Poster
     
    dunster's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Mar 2009
    Location: Lake Elsinore, CA
    Posts: 15,188
    Default

    I think you mean a voltage meter rather than a voltage regulator. They are useful things to have around. If you turn off all your power and see that the electrical meter is not running, you won't need to test voltage to the switch. Otherwise you need to be really sure that you turn off the right breaker. The labels on the breakers in the electrical panel may not be complete or correct, so don't rely on them to tell you which breaker serves the faulty light switch.
    dunster is offline  
    Old 12-07-2015, 04:20 AM
      #10  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Jul 2010
    Location: Lebanon Missouri
    Posts: 2,668
    Default

    I just did a whole house of plugs and switches. I use rubber handled screw driver and pliers to prevent my getting shocked. As you take one wire off the old switch attach it on the new switch in the same place on the new one -do each wire the same way. This will assure you they are in the right place then put it back in to the wall/box-attach the face plate. easy peezy
    Stitchit123 is offline  
    Related Topics
    Thread
    Thread Starter
    Forum
    Replies
    Last Post
    tesspug
    General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
    39
    01-14-2016 06:34 AM
    joobee
    For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
    4
    03-05-2014 08:14 AM
    CMARAS1234
    For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
    1
    11-07-2012 04:48 AM
    irma tapia
    General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
    5
    08-15-2011 06:37 AM
    butterflywing
    General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
    4
    12-06-2009 05:34 PM

    Posting Rules
    You may not post new threads
    You may not post replies
    You may not post attachments
    You may not edit your posts

    BB code is On
    Smilies are On
    [IMG] code is On
    HTML code is On
    Trackbacks are Off
    Pingbacks are Off
    Refbacks are Off



    FREE Quilting Newsletter