Key things to do before starting:
- Find out where your wires are. If you're trying to move your switch, you have to know if it's possible to move the electrical wires into position. You may have to cut a larger whole in your wall than you think. If you know where your wires are, and can reposition them yourself continue, otherwise you'll have to get someone qualified.
- Make sure you have everything you need (including correctly sized parts!). At the minimum, you'll need screwdrivers that fit your screws, a pair of flat pliers, wire cutters/stripper, a flashlight and something to record what goes where. Bigger projects, like moving your switch, will require a drill w/bores and a jigsaw. If you don't know how to use any of these tools, you're probably better off with someone who knows what they're doing.
- Know the dangers! If you have no idea what you're doing don't do it! You could seriously injure or even kill yourself if you don't take safety precautions. Know what kind of power is flowing to the switch and whether or not you can turn it off.
Step 1: Find your breaker box
Unless you're looking to fry yourself, I suggest you find out where your breaker box is. Once you do that, it's as simple as flipping a switch. Turn on the light you're trying to change the switch for and read to see if you can find what breaker controls the area you're working in. I suggest you have a helper around to tell you when the light goes off, because then you know for sure the power is off.
Step 2: Unscrew the cover
Remove that little panel that protects the innards of your switch and take a look inside. You should be able to see all of the wires and screws holding the switch together. Locate the screws that hold the actual switch to the box, unscrew them and pull your switch out.
Step 3: Make a diagram, take a picture
If you're not sure if you can remember what wire goes where, you better find a way to remember. Draw a picture, write notes or take a picture as a physical reminder of how everything connects. Once you've got that done, you need to get ready for the more difficult step.
Step 4: Disconnect all wires
An easy step, remove the marrettes from the connecting points and untwist the wires.
Step 5: Attaching your new switch
Take your new switch and attach the appropriate wires to the appropriate ends. Make sure you have your switch the right side up because it's a pain if you don't realize the problem until you've put everything back together (I know from experience). Use your reference material that you prepared in Step 3 and attach your wires securely to the appropriate places and put your marrettes back on.
Step 6: Test your work
Don't put the plate back on your switch just yet! Go back to your breaker box, turn the power on and see if you can switch the light on. If not, turn the power back off and retrace your steps to see where you've missed something. If it does turn on, you're nearly ready to finish.
Step 7: Replace the plate
Once you've passed Step 6 you can stick your cover plate on top of your newly replaced switch.
Congratulations, you've managed to change a switch without having to pay someone to do it!
