Somehow I made it to 65 without ever changing a light switch. Thanks to you, I will never again have to hire anyone for this simple task. your video was clear and concise, thank you!

I absolutely love how clear you are verbally and visually. Thank you so much!!!

Word of advice my friends. I had a similar wall setup with actually 3 switches. We needed to change the switches out as well. We shut the power off and checked the first switch and confirmed there was no power. However, the second and third still had power and we got zapped. The second and third were on different breakers. So if you have a something like what’s showing here, make sure ALL switches have no power going into them before touching wires with your bare hands.

@1953beckley

2 жыл бұрын

I love your videos, but I also have a problem with my smart switches, to explain in details my hallway has three lights connect to my three way . Do I purchase a 4 way light switch with 2 black connector and 2 brace connector. My smart light wifi switches only have a hot connection and 4 out connection. I don't see a load connection. Just a hot and 4 out and a ground.

@windsorpatb

2 жыл бұрын

even with power off confirmed, I still avoid touching bare wire when possible.:-)

@nelsonparra3797

2 жыл бұрын

Good point. I just replaced a quad receptacle in my kitchen. Each side (duplex) in the box was fed from a separate breaker, so I had to shut off two breakers to change the one Quad.

@leonelsway

2 жыл бұрын

@@1953beckley I don't understand what you are trying to do. If the lights are on the same circuit, wire them in series. You only the one wire from the switch. Down side is if one light burns out the downstream lights will turn off. You could wire them in parallel using one wire coming from your light switch, this is preferred as any light on the same circuit not working will not affect the ones downstream. This applies to a regular old school switch as well as a smart Wi-Fi connected light switch. I'm not sure why you need 4 wires of load coming from the switch.

@markymark5352

2 жыл бұрын

Good. You got what you deserved.

Came across your video for help with replacing two broken light switches. You were so clear and informative - I was able to do this safely with so much ease! Thank you so much!!

I just recently found your channel. Already I’ve learned so much from you, things I really wanted to know. I love to do my own home repairs but have always been reluctant to tackle electrical projects. Your videos have given me the knowledge, tools, and confidence to make the basic repairs and upkeep in my 30 year old house! Thanks!

I just replaced my light switch following your step by step instructions. No prior experience. Invest in a voltage tester period. Thanks for posting.

Thank you. You are the first person to show me how to easily make a J-hook using the wire strippers.

@glenb4887

2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely! I’m 69 and I have wrestled with the things for years!

@nemera34

Жыл бұрын

exactly. I never knew how easy it was to do.

@rebeccawebb5891

Жыл бұрын

Me too! I had no idea. I've always used needle nose pliers.

Hey I just successfully replaced my first switch and had every confidence after watching your video and looking at the diagram on the box. I am having to learn these basic skills as my husband has memory impairment and can no longer do home repairs. I just saved a bunch of money. Thank you very much.

I find this channel very helpful. Things I THOUGHT I knew how to do, I find myself learning new things or learning how to do them better. Great content! 👍🏻

@dreamingrightnow1174

Жыл бұрын

Exactly.

Thank you so much for posting this. My Electrician Husband passed away and I don't feel comfortable hiring an outside contractor, so your instructions made me feel comfortable enough to do this myself. I so appreciate this that I will follow your channel now.

@RockinwitRoxy

2 ай бұрын

I’m sorry for your loss

Excellent presentation. I appreciate your emphasis on safety as well. Over the years - in several homes in several states - I have encountered a few abominations in hosehold wiring, some i was able to fix but many I had to call in professionals. I had a long career in repairing & calibrating elecrical-electronic test & measurement equipent, but I still know when something is outside my level of competence.

Thank you! The first electrical work I've ever done, and I didn't die (or even get shocked!). I figured it would be a simple job, but your explanation touched on everything I needed, making it even easier than I expected. The rare job that only required one trip to the hardware store. Much appreciated.

You are a great instructor. Thank you so much for making that video.

@EverydayHomeRepairs

7 ай бұрын

Thanks!

Yes! Thank you! This is a great break down. After watching I was able to easily remove a second switch for a light accessory on a fan that I wasn't using. Most videos like this leave you completely guessing if your doing it right or possibly going to electrocute yourself. The details here are clear and concise. Thank you for doing it right. One more Subscriber.

OH wow. I needed to change the switch in the bathroom. Saw that speed wiring and freaked. You really helped me understand. I just replaced the switch following your instructions. I'm constantly amazed that people do these videos to share. Now I'm ready if if I need to do this again. 😗

Really well done video. In a future video you should discuss the wire strippers you use and why, and how to properly use them. I have always struggled pulling the wire casing off with the “cutter portion” of the tool, not as you did with the end of the tool. So I learned something here! Thank you for that! Teach it in your next electrical video…..

@dreamingrightnow1174

Жыл бұрын

Me too: I'd never seen that cut and pull trick.. And using the holes to bend the wires was nifty too.

Wow. There are plenty of DIY channels on KZread, but yours is the best I’ve seen so far. I’m not a beginner, but certainly no pro when it comes to performing simple electrical projects around the house. But I watch to pick up tips I may not know…. For example: I have the exact same wire stripping tool, but never used the hole to prep my wire for screwing into the switch. Now I don’t have to carry needle nose pliers anymore! Thanks for the tip! I clicked on your channel because I have two black wires leading into my switch, and I’ve always seen one black and one white. Now all I have to do is test for the hot wire and hook them up. Thanks again - - very well done!

At 72, and a home DYI guy, I can't believe how much I have learned in this video. Where were you 30 years ago?

Thank you for this great video. It helped me change a switch and only make one trip to the store. I used to have my dad do these repairs but he is gone now so you were a big help. One thing I would add for people to know. When testing the switch box or plug outlets the electrician at the store said one prong of the outlet is hot and one is neutral. So when you test you might get a green light on the tester when the box is still hot. Sorry if I'm not using the right technical terms but bottom line is test both prongs of you outlets before doing amything. My light is now fixed and I am grateful for your video. Thanks again.

Followed this and it worked. Thank you!

Great job on the video. Very clearly communicated and fully informative.

This is another great video Scott, thank you. One thing that I do with a switch install, when I'm trying to determine which might be the traveler and load vs line (if all black) is disconnect the power, remove switching receptacle and wires, put the Wago 221 (2 conductor) on each of the black conductors. Next, I will flip the power back on at the breaker and test them. The ones that don't show up as the hot line, I remove the Wago (that way when I'm going between receptacle and breaker no one will come along and touch a hot and I know that the one that still has the Wago on will be on the hot).

1) I stayed because of your eyes. I'm secure enough in my maculinity to say that. 2) I appreciate the up close view and percise explanation. I didn't die, so instructions were good. Thanks!

Thank you! You made it seem so simple

Your video and clear instructions gave me the confidence to do this on my own. Just replaced a bunch of light switches today. Thank you!!

Best complete explanation on every single detail I need to know!! Thx

My mathematical self loved that you line up the screws to all be vertical at the end.😍😍

This was a fantastic video! I managed to safely repair a broken switch in my dining room. I just subscribed; thank you for providing such great tutorials :)

Thank you so much for this video! Now I have no excuse to change my light switch!

Very clear instructions for beginners like me. Love it. Thanks

The 2 and 3 way examples was super helpful!

I just found your channel, first I had to admire your green eyes, then back up the video, and try to concrete on the project. I think I’m feeling confident to change my light switch. My switch has 4 dimmer switches. A bit scary, so I think I’ll turn off the main breaker. Thank you for your step by step video.

Excellent video, outstanding instruction, easy to understand, clear and concise step by step. Keep the help coming!! Just another DIYer, who just subscribed to your site. Thank you.

Wow! I have learned so much! Being a bit nervous still, but inspired! I’m going to throw the main power probably, and then fix all the ancient outlets and switches I have. Still will be using a Fluke tester. But thank you so much!

This is a very good show and we love it !

Appreciate you vids. I have been using the tools I you show for years and never knew all of then ways to use to make the jib easier!

I'm glad you brought up the paint issue and using razor blade. It will make tears in your walls paint.

Thanks for the Chapters amigo

Good lesson and a well spoken presenter.

@EverydayHomeRepairs

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Nice video! Greta info for the DYIs.

Love that "pro finish"!!

great video. easy and clear to understand.

Awesome video, it was a big help.

New subscriber. Good videos. I'm no electrician, but I was taught to never touch the conductive part of the screwdriver when working with electrical (as you did when you removed the switches) at 4:00. I know, you had checked and the power was off. However, it's kind of like treating every gun as if it's loaded. You don't take any chances. Many years ago (1978), I was removing the cover plate of an outlet and the screwdriver slipped and went right into the outlet. There was a large "pop", the lights in the building briefly dimmed, and the end of the screwdriver melted. Fortunately, I was only touching the rubber part of the screwdriver. My coworker came over and asked if I was okay, which I was. If I had been touching the shaft of the screwdriver then who knows what would have happened. Today, I triple check that power is off and I still never touch the shaft of the screwdriver.

@beninaskaria

Жыл бұрын

Typicality you want to use screwdrivers that have insulation on the shaft which prevent this sort of thing, but electrical theory states that electricity always takes the path of least resistance. Assuming your skin has a much higher resistance than your metal screwdriver I doubt you would have been harmed. If your hands are wet on the other hand, all bets are off.

@RCRoads

Жыл бұрын

Back in 1978 the circuit breakers were not what they are today. You could arc weld on a 20amp circuit by grounding out the phase conductor. Breakers never seemed to trip out.

I really like they way you take time to explain the subject. thanks for the very helpful video

Thank you! You very clearly explained something I'd been unable to find an answer to.

I purchased a #1 Robertson screwdriver in Canada and use it all the time when changing out switches and receptacles. It is much less likely to slip and ruin the screw head than a slotted or phillips head screwdriver.

Great video! Simple, clear, and very informative.

This was great, thanks very much; appreciate the simplistic and easy approach.

Great demonstration!

@EverydayHomeRepairs

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Great video, loved watching it!

Very helpful, thanks.

Your video worked for me thanks.

I loved how you used the wire stripper to make the J hook !

I didn't know about using the hole in the wire stripper to make the j-hook. That'll save me lots of time in future and do neater work. Thanks!

Super helpful. Thank you!

Thank you for this video. I’m working on my parents property and this helped me immensely!

Annnd you just gained an easy subscriber lol. Thanks for the help!

Thank you for educating

Awesome, really appreciate the video.

Just thought I'd throw something else out there when buying switches - face plates can also change the appearance of your project. Doing my own, I found out plates (for switches and receptacles) come in either nylon or plastic. Nylon is bit more $$ but it's got a more glossy finished look over plastic. Also it's more pliable, so if you've got uneven walls or a multi switch plate that's not laying flat nylon is the better bet.

Excellent video!!!

You sir are a life saver

Really helpful and informative, thanks.

@EverydayHomeRepairs

6 ай бұрын

Happy to help.

Here, we talk about single pole vs three way switch (or four-way, if that's the case). Also, with the model of switch you could have put the wire behind the plate and tighten the screw. This type of switch (probably a Cooper), allows you to put two wires in (on the hot side), instead of using a wire-nut (when feeding a second light switch somewhere else).

Very understanding great help!⛏💡🛠🤗

Awesome content. Subscribed.

Nicely done 👍

Good video. I love my Milwaukee combo screwdriver too.

EXCELLENT!!!

@EverydayHomeRepairs

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Thank you. Followed easily and changed my first switch. The only think I could have used more help with is buying a wire stripper. There must have been at least twenty version at my local hardware. And the prices ranged all over the place. The most basic model did just fine. Best.

Great video.

Well explained. Thank you for sharing

@EverydayHomeRepairs

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Hassan!

Thank you!

@EverydayHomeRepairs

2 жыл бұрын

You bet!

Excellent work. Like the focus on safety, regulation, and the "Don'ts". And love the teal shirt.

Nickel & dime- awesome 😊

Thank you for posting this video. I ALWAYS tape the wirnuts AND tape around the switch itself. If possible when using a metal workbox I try my best to use a ground wire from the switch to the box. I have had switches themselves go bad making the lights flicker. When having to install a new box replacing an old one If possible I like using deepwell box's. Thanks again for posting this video. I like using a wiggie so as to test the ground wires. But often when replacing the wires it can surely become a can of worms big time.

Nice job! I found this video to be very useful. Thank you! 👍👍👍

@EverydayHomeRepairs

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the feedback!

@audiophileman7047

Жыл бұрын

@@EverydayHomeRepairs Sure, you're welcome.

Wow thank you this actually worked for me in two seconds after “wiggling and pulling” for 20 minutes. Gotta love KZread

Good way to check for power is have the light on, see it, use the NCV tester to confirm it's working . Then hit your power breaker off. You visually confirm light power is off but you also use the NCV because there still could be a 2nd power source. From some funky DIYer

@KingSobieski

2 жыл бұрын

Just leave the power on. If you don't shock yourself you saved a trip downstairs.

@alohamark3025

2 жыл бұрын

​@@KingSobieski If you do shock yourself, you may get a free trip upstairs. Like you, I do a lot of installations on hot circuits. An AC voltmeter, gloves and insulated screwdrivers and pliers have kept me alive. Finding neutral and hot in a circuit is critical for 110 VAC boxes.

Thank you.

Even at 70, I still pick up tidbits. Thank you.

@EverydayHomeRepairs

2 жыл бұрын

You bet 👍

I know generally the push in connectors are thought to be inferior. I have a house that's 43 years old and I've replaced almost all of the outlets and switches in the house. They used the push in connectors on every one and I never found one that was loose, in fact I would have to break the plastic to get it out. However, I did find at least one screw that the wire was nearly off and two others that were loose. Also as far as colors, what you are calling an almond in the past used to be called ivory which I believe was the same as one of your almond. Also there is a dark brown color. I wired an addition on this house and finished the upstairs on a previous house and I always used 12 gauge wire. After I make the hook for the screw terminal I take a pair of needle-nose pliers to squeeze them together so they actually make a loop around the screw. Interesting as always.

@ericstoverink6579

Жыл бұрын

The problem with them is that the connection only makes contact with the wire across a tiny area when compared to the screw terminals. While it could be a strong physical connection it makes for a weak electrical connection.

@hoozthair6076

Жыл бұрын

@@ericstoverink6579 this is very interesting but I would have to say that a loose screw doesn't really make a good electrical connection either. I don't remember that I've ever had trouble with either one but I just thought the push in connector was more secure. Are these no longer put on any outlets? Thank you for the information.

I always put electric tape around before inserting switches or outlets. Good presentation

@XLGaming

2 жыл бұрын

I only use electrical tape if the contacts are too close to the edge of a box or mud ring (my home has metal boxes). otherwise you are left with a sticky switch if you ever replace it. Theres nothing wrong with electrical tape, it's just not necessary in most homes that use plastic boxes.

I was going to skip this because it's for 'beginners', and I'm not. But watch anyways. I did already know about 98% of what you described. but THAT 2%! Thanks. Liked and subscribed.

Get a Non-Contact Voltage Detector like this video says! Especially if there is more than one switch in the box. The one I just replaced was in a double. The breaker panel was poorly labeled. By trial and error we got the good switch power to turn off, as evidenced by the light bulb going off. At that point I would have assumed that the power to both switches were off, however the Non-Contact Voltage Detector told me otherwise. In fact, the two switches were fed by two different breakers. I didn’t want to spend the eighteen dollars at first, but I am glad I did.

Great video and great channel. One thing I do is mark the hot wire with tape for future reference.

@beninaskaria

Жыл бұрын

Which hot wire are you talking about? If your not talking about the travelers then the other wire could either be the source side or the load side in a three way circuit. It depends on which of the two switches your working on.

Another great video. Thanks for sharing

Thank you

thanks!!👍

thank you

Good thing to do while at Lowe's...If you're shopping for single pole switches, Make sure if you need more than one. To check that they are ALL the same kind. I needed 3 single pole switches and when I got home. 2 of them were double pole switches in the single pole bin at the store. Now I have to return the 2 doubles.

ILLINOIS BABY!!! Ironic that im having this problem rn.!!

Lots of good information here, thanks for putting it together. Any time I put together a box with more than one fixture in it I wrap every other fixture with black tape to prevent any short between the fixtures. Some people do all of them, but I think thats overkill.

@EverydayHomeRepairs

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, I really only wrap with electrical tape in a tight metal box. Appreciate the feedback.

@jameskappel

2 жыл бұрын

@@EverydayHomeRepairs Hello, during the '50s and 60's used friction tape for electrical work. is there an advantage or disadvantage or safety reason or self-life for friction tape? or am maybe I'm old school

@thomasdragosr.841

2 жыл бұрын

@@jameskappel Friction tape DOES NOT insulate. You should only use "plastic" electrical tape for a wire repair or wrapping a switch or receptacle. In the old days splices were dipped in solder then wrapped with rubber tape for an insulation then friction tape was applied over the rubber tape for mechanical protection.Friction tape will dry out from heat and crumble off the splice. The first wire nuts were porcelain followed by bakelite and then modern plastics, now the Wago type connectors are becoming popular (with some electricians) I imagine those old timers freaked out when the first wire nuts came on the scene just like they do today with Wagos.

@jameskappel

2 жыл бұрын

thank you. got it. much appreciated. have a nice day @@thomasdragosr.841

@etherealrose2139

2 жыл бұрын

Electric tape is for hacks and amateurs. There is literally no need for it. Nothing is magically shorting out and there's not near enough voltage to jump an air gap of that size. A needless waste that gums up the inside and traps heat and can actually lead to failures. Don't be that guy.

Excellent job. The only concern I had regatds the colors referred to asbetween light almond and almond - I know them labeled & referred to as almond, and Ivory, and is much less confusing, IMO.

I always write the breaker number on the inside of the face plates for each switch. Then no guess work there after.

Great video. I've been watching all your electrical videos this past week and I thank you for passing all you knowledge. Greatly appreciated. I have a question. If you have a standard double light switch and wanted to change them to Decor switches will they fit or do you have to change the box? Thanks ahead if time.

@SamGarcia837

2 жыл бұрын

@m rapacki thank you

Superb video. Subscribed. :-)

nice job! learned a couple tricks I did not know, thanks so much I am working on a ceiling fan and the LED lights are flickering. Any thoughts which might be the easiest things to check? Thanks much Dan

Pro tip: If the light is only controlled by one switch then the switch is a single pole, if the light is controlled by two switches then you must use a "three way" switch. If a house was built before 2011 then you were allowed to have non-grounded switches and have a white wire, the 2011 NEC code required all switches in dwellings to be grounded and both wires are black.

@hugoanson2135

11 ай бұрын

Thankyou for your clarification.