The energy going to a switch is nothing to scoff at, and it can cause serious damage if you come in contact with it. You should still wear gloves and grounded, rubber soled shoes in order to be safe while working.
Simply touch the end of the detector to the light fixture in several places. If the detector light turns on, then power is still running to the switch. [2] X Research source Always check and double-check that there is no power coming to you when you work. You can never be too careful when working with electricity.
The feed is a hot wire, meaning it is always running with electricity. This wire sends electricity to the switch, which then controls whether or not to send electricity to the light, fan, etc. They are often, but not always, red or black, and on the side with a small metal tab, or fin. There will be two neutral wires connecting to your two appliances, and each one will correspond to a switch on your double-switch when you are done. They are often, but not always, white. [3] X Expert Source Ricardo MitchellElectrician Professional, CN Coterie Expert Interview. 6 May 2020. The grounding wire, which is often green, yellow, or bare copper, and is attached to a green screw, helps to protect the switch and your house from an electrical short. Because it was not legally required in all houses for a period of time, some switches may not have grounding wires. [4] X Research source
If you can keep the wire bent into its current shape it may be easier to attach later. You should have 3 or 4 exposed wires coming out of the switch box.
Be extremely careful with these wire while the power is on. Only touch them with your voltage detector and be sure to wear insulated gloves while working.
Frequently, the feed wire terminals (screws) are black or silver. The neutral side terminals are usually copper. The green screw is for the grounding wire. [7] X Research source
Only attach one wire to each terminal. Make sure you remember to attach the grounding wire. [9] X Research source
If this is a new fixture, hold it up against the wall and mark the position of the screws with a pencil on the wall. Using a power drill, make holes where you marked and drill the holes, screwing the light fixture into these holes.
Make sure you check the light bulb and appliance before continuing, as the problem may not be with the switch.
Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to clamp the ends of the wire around the screw. Make sure there is enough wire exposed to make a connection with the terminal. Use a pair of wire strippers to expose at least 1/2-inch of wire. If the end of the wire is frayed or nicked up, cut it off, strip another inch of insulation off, and use this end. [12] X Research source
Some electricians will cut the wire covering in the middle, loop the wire in the terminal, and allow the rest of the wire to continue into the wall. You should do the same thing if you see this is the case in your old switch.
If there are two black terminals on the same side, it does not matter which one you attach the feed to. If you are still struggling reverse the connections or check the manual included with your new switch.
