How to Fix a Broken Light Switch

Many basic home electric repairs can be done on your own without needing to call a local electrician. If you follow the correct safety precautions, you can easily fix a broken light switch.

Before tearing apart your light switch, always make sure to test the obvious problems. Make sure the room has power and other lights or outlets in the room have power. Also, make sure the light bulbs don’t need replaced. If all of these check out, then it’s time to take a look at the light switch.

Before doing any work on the switch be sure to turn off power to the room at your main breaker box.

Unscrew and remove the plate cover..

Once the plate is off you should see a few screws holding the switch into the electrical box. You will want to unscrew these so that the switch is only being held in place by the wires.

Check the connections. Sometimes the wires can become lose and this will break the circuit, keeping the light switch form working right.

If none of the connections seem loose, you may need to replace the switch. You can remove the wires by loosening the clamps or screws holding the wires in. Then the switch can easily be removed. Make sure you identify and mark the “hot-red” wires and the "neutral-black" colored wires.

When installing a new switch make sure to mount it in the correct orientation, with the “on” and “off” in the right places. Wrap the wires with electrical tape to insulate you from electric shock before connecting anything.

Connect the wires to the switch by wrapping them around the screws or placing them into the clamps. Be careful to put the wires back in the correct place. You should have already marked the “hot” wires and the neutral wires. The clamp that is holding the wire in place and the outlet then needs to be wrapped with electrical tape. Electrical tape is very important because it acts as an insulator and protects you from electrical shock. If you have any uncertainty contact a professional electrician before proceeding.

Next attach the switch to the electrical box and replace the plate cover.

Before testing the switch, don’t forget to restore power to the room.

If you continue to have problems after replacing the switch you may need the help of a professional local electrician.

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