Step 3 · Remove the Old Switch

Once the switch plate is off, you will see the light switch secured to the electrical box with two screws, usually one at the top and one at the bottom. Unscrew these two screws. Gently pull the switch out from the electrical box, being careful not to tug on the wires. The wires will be connected to the switch terminals with screws or push-in connectors. Note which wire is connected to which terminal. Most switches will have two 'hot' wires (often black) connected to the same colored screws on one side, and a ground wire (usually green or bare copper) connected to a green screw on the other side. If there is a third wire (often red or white), it is likely a 'traveler' wire if it is a 3-way switch, or a neutral wire.