Wiring a Light Switch from a Receptacle

Wiring a light switch is one of the easiest home repairs you can learn to do yourself. There is no reason to pay the high cost of having an electrician come into your home and do this simple repair that you can do yourself. With just a few supplies and in a few easy steps, you can do the same repair for just pennies on the dollar compared to what you would pay a professional. The procedure for wiring a light switch is the same basic procedure whether it is a single switch or if you want to install three-way switches. Before doing any electrical repairs, it is very important that you always shut off the power going to the circuit that you are working on.

Step 1: Shut off Power

You should never perform any work on a circuit that has electricity running through it. Start by shutting off the power to the circuit. You should use a tester for electricity to ensure that the electricity is indeed off. To use the tester, put one probe on the ground wire. With the other one, touch each one of the terminals on the switch or on the black wire if this is a new installation. No voltage should show on the tester. Once you have confirmed that there is no electricity running through the switch, if this is a replacement, remove the current switch from the wires. Straighten the wires and use your wire strippers to remove ½ inch of the insulation from the ends of the wires.

Step 2: Securing Wires 

Start by connecting the ground wire and the green screw that will be found on the switch. The ground wire should also be green. If not, you will look for the bare wire; this will be the ground wire. If the new switch has a grounding wire of its own, twist this wire with the grounding wire on the circuit. Use your lineman's pliers to twist it, and then secure it with the copper compression sleeve. Next, connect the two black wires to the screw terminals on the switch. Some switches are made with holes on the back side of the switch instead of terminal screws. In these cases, you would use these holes instead.

Step 3: Install the Switch

Making sure that you have the right side of the switch up, push it into the box. Carefully fold the wires behind the new switch so that they are out of sight. Vertically align the switch and adjust the screws by using the mounting slots. Ensure that the switch is even with the wall, and then screw the switch to the box. If the switch is not flush with the wall, break off the switch’s plaster ears at the break-off points. You can also use washers that are made specifically for shimming.

Step 4: Install the Faceplate

Using the screws that were included, attach the faceplate to the switch.