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How to Change a 2 Way Switch and a Light Fixture

Edited byJoshua Labram and 7 others

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Change a 2 Way Switch and a Light Fixture

This article will explain to you how to be able to change a simple 2-way switch and a regular light fixture. Please be sure to shut off the main power to your circuit before doing any kind of work with it.

Edit Steps

Changing the switch

  1. 1
    Remove the cover from the switch with the two screws, the one above and the one below the switch itself. (44 seconds into video)
  2. 2
    Remove the two screws that connect the switch to the box. (1 minute and 11 seconds into video)
  3. 3
    Pull out the switch and remove the wires from the switch by un-screwing the two screw located on the side. (2 minutes and 12 seconds into video)
  4. 4
    Return the wires to the same screws, but on the new switch to ensure the live wire is in the correct place. (3 minutes and 23 seconds into video)
  5. 5
    Push the wires and switch into the box in the wall. (4 minutes and 8 seconds into video)
  6. 6
    Screw the switch back onto the box and return the cover. (4 minutes and 25 seconds into video)

Changing the light fixture

  1. 1
    Take out the light bulb, twist the fixture counter clockwise, and pull the fixture away from the box. (6 minutes and 16 seconds into video)
  2. 2
    Remove the two wires from the back of the fixture by loosening the screws. (6 minutes and 56 seconds into video)
  3. 3
    Tighten the screws of the new fixture onto the wires, be sure the wires go to the same screws as the old fixture. (7 minutes and 50 seconds into video)
  4. 4
    Push the wires into the box, and twist the fixture clockwise into place covering the wires and box. (8 minutes and 54 seconds into video)
  5. 5
    Screw the light bulb into the new fixture. (9 minutes and 17 seconds into video)
  6. 6
    Return power to your circuit and enjoy.

Edit Video



Steps 1-12 in video for you to follow along

Edit Tips

  • To help remember which wire goes to which screw, a simple piece of black tape on one wire helps a lot.
  • Curve the wires to the right around the screws before tightening the screws onto the wires to help prevent the wires from slipping off.

Edit Warnings

  • A shock while dealing with electricity can cause serious injury or even death.

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Article Info

Last edited:
December 13, 2011 by Roozie1

Categories:
Work World

Recent edits by: Juan, jack smith, Krystle (see all)

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