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REPLACEMENT OF A SWITCH, RECEPTACLE OR DIMMER

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This page covers the installation of standard switches, receptacles & dimmers to existing outlet boxes. Other types of device installations can be discussed through e-mail.

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REPLACEMENT OF A SWITCH, RECEPTACLE OR DIMMER -
To replace a switch, receptacle or dimmer (referred to as devices) to an existing outlet box, we recommend that you make the purchases first, and have them ready for installation when you're ready to remove the old ones.

STEP 1. Be sure the power is turned off to that circuit (or shut all power off).
STEP 2. To begin removing the existing device(s), remove the wall plate and test for voltage first (use a voltage tester). Then remove the two mounting screws and pull the existing device forward as far as the wires will reach.
STEP 3. Take notice of all the wiring connections to the existing device (2-6 wires may be connected to it). Also take notice of the colored wires and the colored screws (on the old device) to know the way to connect the new device. Cut the wires off close to the device (or simply loosen the screws and remove the wires) and discard the old device (other wires in the outlet box do not matter and should be left alone).
NOTE - If the existing wires have insulation cover that is crumbling apart an electrician should be brought in to complete this job!
STEP 4. Make the wiring connections to the new device. Strip the wire insulation back 1/2" to 3/4". Wire always wraps around a screw clockwise. Dimmer wires should be connected with spring insert type wire nuts. Make sure all connections are tight! (More trouble calls are due to loose connections than any other source).

HELP TIPS

• 3-way switch - odd color screw wire (from old device) to odd color screw (on new device) the other two wires do not matter.
• - standard dimmer - wire colors do not matter (unless it's a 3-way dimmer).
• - standard switch - wire colors do not matter.
• - standard receptacle - light colored screws et the white wire(s), dark colored screws get the black wire(s).
• G.F.I. Receptacle - same as a standard receptacle but watch out for the "load" connection (input power does not get connected to the load or output side of a G.F.I. receptacle).

STEP 5. Grounding a device properly is your responsibility. Metal boxes should be grounded and devices should be grounded (your voltage tester will be used to test the ground when the power is turned back on).
STEP 6. Folding the wires back into the wall outlet box should be done with care. Some wall outlet boxes may lack space due to other wires and other wire nuts. Also take notice that the ground wire does not come close to any screws on a switch or receptacle (instant short circuit). Make sure that the device can freely touch the wall surface (top & bottom) without crushing the wires inside.
STEP 7. Install the two screws and turn the power on. Test the device for grounding with your voltage tester (the voltage should be the same from "hot to ground) as the voltage inside any other common outlet, Install the wall plate.