How to Install a Programmable Light Switch

If you would like the lights in a room or outside of your home to automatically switch on and off, you can install a programmable light switch that will do this quite easily. A programmable light switch allows you to set the times that you would like the lights to turn on and off. This is a great idea when you are away from your home for more than a few hours as it can be used to fool would be burglars into thinking someone is in your home. More often than not, if a burglar sees a light come on or go off, he/she will pick another target. Better still, a programmable light switch it just as easy to install as a regular lever switch, and this simple how-to guide will show you everything you need to know.

Step 1 - Turn Off the Power at the Breaker Box

Before you get started, go to the circuit breaker box in your home and locate the breaker switch that provides power to the room where the new programmable light switch will be installed. Once you locate the correct breaker switch, flip it to the 'off' position.

Step 2 - Remove the Old Light Switch

Take your screwdriver and remove the set screw that holds the cover plate on the light switch in place. Then, remove the two screws that hold the switch itself in the switch box. Next, pull the switch out and loosen the terminal screws on either side of the switch that are used for the electrical wire connections. Finally, loosen the set screw that is used for the ground wire. Once all of the terminal screws have been loosened, simply remove all three wires.

Step 3 - Check the Wiring

After you've removed the old light switch, inspect the wiring to make sure that it is not damaged or frayed. If the wiring is not in good condition, simply snip the ends of the wire off with a pair of wire cutters and use a pair of wire strippers to strip back the ends of the wire about 1/2 inch.

Step 4 - Wire Up the Programmable Light Switch

Take the two black wires that you removed from the old light switch and screw them into the terminal screws on either side of the new programmable light switch. Make sure that not too much wire sticks out from underneath the terminal screw as this could cause arcing or sparking in the switch. If the black electrical wires have been stripped correctly, there should only be about 1/2 inch of wire to insert into the screw terminal. Connect the ground wire as well.

Step 5 - Install the Programmable Light Switch

If the programmable light switch is a standard sized switch, it should screw right into the switch box. However, if it is a custom sized switch, you may need to refer to the manufacturer's instructions for installing a new box.

Step 6 - Turn the Power On

At the main circuit breaker box, switch the circuit breaker back to the 'on' position.

Step 7 - Program the Light Switch

Refer to the manufacturer's instruction manual on how to program the programmable light switch to turn on and off at the desired times.