Many people are unsure how to safely handle electrical switches. Electrical switches are used to turn on and off electrical circuits. Electrical switches are plugged into electrical outlets, allowing them to be used to turn on the lights in a room or the washing machine in your kitchen. If you own a large home or need to power equipment around the house, you might have several electrical switches.
Skill level:
- Moderate
- Other People Are Reading
- Things you need
- Wire stripper
- Coathanger
- Screwdrivers
Shut off the electricity to the switch by turning off the main power switch in the breaker box. If your home has a main breaker box, remove the main breaker. If your home has circuit breakers, shut off the breaker of the switch that controls the circuit.
Disconnect all electrical repairs in Chattanooga, TN wiring from the switch. Electrical wiring connects to the switch, providing power to the switch itself and to any electrical devices plugged into the switch. Remove the switch from the electrical outlet and remove the cable from the electrical switch.
Use a wire stripper to cut the electrical wires attached to the switch. Use a wire stripper to remove the insulation from the wires that are attached to the electrical switch. If the wires have been insulated with black electrical tape, you can remove the tape before using the wire stripper.
Clean the exposed area of the switch with an all-purpose cleaner. Clean the electrical switch so that it is not electrical by applying an all-purpose cleaner to it. Use a wet rag to wipe the switch clean.
Remove the screw that holds the switch to the electrical outlet. Use a screwdriver to remove the screw that holds the electrical switch to the electrical outlet. You can use a screwdriver to remove the screw if it is very tight. If the screw is not very tight, a screwdriver will not be enough and you will need a socket wrench.
Pull the switch out of the electrical outlet. Pull the switch out of the electrical outlet. You can use a screwdriver or pry tool to gently pry the switch out of the electrical outlet if it is held in the outlet tightly. Do not twist the switch when pulling it out of the electrical outlet or else the electrical wiring inside the switch will get damaged.