Wiktor Wise
Moving an electrical switch is a common task for homeowners who want to improve their interior design or save on handyman fees. It is important to note that electrical work can be dangerous, so caution and proper preparation are necessary. Before moving an electrical switch, it is recommended to take pictures of the wiring and terminals for reference. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to safely move an electrical switch with the help of images for better understanding.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Pliers, screwdrivers, cutter, wire stripper |
| Safety precautions | Turn off the right circuit breaker, check for frayed wires, loose connections, and damaged wires |
| Wiring | Take pictures of the wirings and terminals before detaching anything, use notes to remember how to put wires to their respective terminals |
| Rewiring | Expose the wires by stripping off the jacket and insulation, connect like colors together, wrap the switch with electrical tape |
| Box installation | Install the new box at the desired height, loosen the screw, feed the wire into the box and tighten the screw, put a blank cover on |
| Alternatives | Use smart lights with remote switches, use Kasa, Caseta, or Wiz switches, use Lutron |
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What You'll Learn
Turn off the electricity to the circuit you're working on
Before moving an electrical switch, it is imperative to turn off the electricity to the circuit you're working on. This is a critical safety measure to protect yourself and your property from harm. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:
Locate your home's electrical service panel, also known as the breaker box or fuse box. This is typically a large grey metal box attached to a wall in an out-of-the-way area of your home. In older homes, it may be a smaller white box mounted horizontally on an exterior wall.
Ensure that all lights in your home are turned off before proceeding. It's important to create a safe working environment to avoid any potential hazards. Check the position of the switches inside the breaker box. They should be in the 'off' position, typically indicated by a downward toggle position. If any switches are in the 'on' position, flip them down to turn them off. You may hear an audible click as the breaker snaps off, and you may see a red or orange tab in a small window on the breaker.
Identify the correct circuit breaker for the electrical switch you wish to move. This may require some prior knowledge of your home's electrical layout or consultation with a professional electrician. Once you have located the correct circuit breaker, confirm that it is indeed in the 'off' position.
Use a non-contact electrical tester to double-check that the power is off at the relevant outlets. This step is crucial to ensuring your safety and avoiding any live wires. Place the tester close to the outlet or switch to check for any residual power. If the tester indicates that power is still present, re-check the previous steps and ensure all breakers are off and lights are turned off.
By following these steps, you can confidently turn off the electricity to the specific circuit you're working on. This will allow you to safely proceed with moving the electrical switch, reducing the risk of electrical shock or damage to your home's electrical system. Remember, always exercise caution when working with electricity, and if you're unsure, consult a licensed electrician.
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Remove the screws holding the switch to the electrical box
Removing the screws that hold the switch to the electrical box is a delicate process and should be done with caution. Before beginning, ensure that the power supply to the switch is turned off to avoid any accidents.
Once you have confirmed that the power is off, locate the screws on the switch cover plate. There should be two screws holding the switch in place within the electrical box. Using a screwdriver, carefully loosen and remove these screws. Place them somewhere safe as you will need to use them again later.
If the screws are stubborn and refuse to budge, there are a few methods you can try. One suggestion is to use a vice grip type of plier to get a better grip and force the screw out. If the screw breaks, you can try accessing it from the other side. Alternatively, you can tighten it into a drill and use the drill to remove it.
After removing the screws, carefully pull the switch out of the box, being mindful of the attached wires. Depending on the type of switch, there may be two or three screws with wires attached. A simple ON/OFF switch will have two screws, while a three-way switch will have three.
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Label the wires and their terminal screws
Before you begin, ensure that you have turned off the power and removed the panel from your system. This may involve removing screws or a latch. You can refer to your system's user guide for further instructions.
Once the panel is removed, you should see the control board, which usually has wires attached to it. It is important to take a clear picture of the wires and connectors on the control board, ensuring that the connector labels are visible. This picture will serve as a reference for identifying the wires and their terminal screws.
The labels on the wires can provide information such as the wire material, size, and type of insulation. For example, "CU" indicates copper wire, while "AL" denotes aluminum. The wire size and number of wires are denoted by numbers, and a ground wire is typically labelled as "G", "w/G", or "with Ground".
Thermostat cables, which are similar to NM cables, usually have four or more small insulated wires without a ground wire. The wires are colour-coded to help you connect them to the appropriate terminals. While the colour coding may vary, the lettering on the thermostat terminals follows a standard: "C" represents the common wire, "R" denotes the 24-volt power supply, and "Rc" indicates a call for heat or cooling.
After identifying the wires, you can proceed with the next steps of stripping the wires, inserting them into the terminal block, and tightening the screws to secure the connection.
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Loosen the screws on the new electrical switch
If your switch has a green or bare copper ground wire, it should be attached to the green screw terminal on the switch or the electrical box. The white (neutral) wire connects to the silver screw or the back wire hole on the same side of the device as the silver screw. The black (hot) wire goes to the brass screw or into the hole at the back of the device on the same side as the brass screw.
If you are having trouble removing the wires from the back of the device, try inserting the blade of a small screwdriver into the slot under the hole where the wire is inserted. Push in as you pull the wire loose. This will release the grip on the wire.
It is important to note that you should only disconnect one wire at a time to avoid confusion. Always match the connectors by attaching the first wire you unscrew to the same coloured screw on the new switch.
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Connect the wires to the new switch
Connecting wires to a new switch is a simple process, but it must be done correctly. Firstly, ensure that you have the correct wires. You should have a black wire, a white wire, and a copper ground wire. Each wire should be stripped to expose half an inch of wire. Next, take your electrician's pliers and bend each wire into a U shape that fits around the screws on the switch. Most electrician's pliers have a small hole on the edge that is designed for this purpose. Insert the wire into the hole and bend it around the lip of the pliers to create the U shape.
Now, you can attach the wires to the switch. Wrap the black wire around one of the brass screws in a clockwise direction. This ensures that the wire connection will tighten when the screw is tightened. Repeat this process with the white wire, attaching it to the other brass screw and tightening it with a screwdriver. Finally, wrap the copper ground wire around the green grounding screw and tighten it. Your switch is now wired.
It is important to note that the white wire is the common wire and should be attached to the common screw on the new switch, just as it was on the old switch. The black and red wires are 'travellers' and can be attached to either of the remaining two screws; it does not matter which colour goes to which screw. The ground wire should always be connected to the green screw and also to the metal box, for example, by 'pig-tailing' it to the switch and the metal box.
Once the wires are connected, use the two screws provided to attach the switch to the electrical box, ensuring that it is level. Finally, cover the switch and wires with the switch plate, securing it with two screws. You can now turn the power back on at the breaker.
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