How to Fix a Dead Light Switch

Switches are simple mechanical devices that eventually wear out from thousands of cycles of use. If your light suddenly stops responding, the internal spring mechanism has likely failed, or the contact points have become pitted and corroded. It is a straightforward repair that takes about twenty minutes, provided you follow safety protocols to the letter. Done well, this repair results in a firm, reliable click and no flickering. Never attempt to service a switch while the circuit is live. Always verify that you have successfully cut power to the box before you remove the cover plate or touch any wire terminals.

1. Kill the Power First. Head to your breaker panel and flip the circuit breaker serving the room to the 'Off' position. Confirm the power is dead by toggling the light switch or using a non-contact voltage tester.
2. Expose the Switch Box. Unscrew the wall plate covering the switch. Use a flathead screwdriver to loosen the screws holding the switch to the electrical box, then gently pull the switch out by its mounting straps.
3. Verify Power Is Dead. Touch a non-contact voltage tester to the wires connected to the switch to ensure there is zero current flowing. Treat every wire as if it were live until your tester proves otherwise.
4. Free the Old Switch. Loosen the terminal screws on the side of the switch and pull the wires free. If the wires are pushed into back-stabs, insert a small screwdriver into the release slot to pull them out.
5. Wire the New Switch. Attach the ground wire (bare copper or green) to the green screw on the new switch. Connect the two hot/load wires to the two brass screws on the side, tightening them clockwise.
6. Power Up and Verify. Gently fold the wires back into the box and screw the switch to the metal tabs. Reattach the wall plate, return to the breaker panel, and flip the power back on.