• Three-way switches. The three-way switch is often used in pairs and allows you to turn a light or receptacle on and off from two separate places. These switches do not have distinct on or off positions because these positions change with use. However, a different type of switch cannot be used for a three-way application, and the right one must be in two.

• Four-way switches. The four-way switch is often used alongside two three-way switches to switch on/off a light fixture from a separate third place instead of two places with just a three-way switch. The four-way switch looks precisely like a double-pole switch but with no distinct on or off positions.

Asides from turning light fixtures on and off, these basic types of switches may have extra features like dimmer controls, timers, motion sensing, occupancy sensors, water, security protection and lighting security installation

PARTS OF A LIGHT SWITCH

Before you attempt to install a light switch, it would be helpful to know the three essential parts of the light switch.
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•  Switch and plate. Remember those parts you deal with every day? Those are the switch and cover plate. The plate covers the hole in the wall fashionably. On the other hand, the switch is the actual device you interact with; when turned up and down, it determines whether the lights come on or goes off.

• Wires. Upon removing the cover plate, these wires become visible. Based on the position of the switch, these electrical wires transmit signals to the terminal, thereby turning lights on/off. The number of wires is determined by the switch’s placement in a circuit, whether it is at the center or on the end.

• Terminals. Based on the position of the switch, the terminals create the next line of action for the wires. Therefore, it helps in sending electrical signals between the circuit board and light fixture or appliance. Faulty connection to the terminal causes electrical failures and defects with the light source. The terminal is made up of a plastic device that is turned by securing the wires in place such that they are tightly held together.

HOW TO INSTALL A LIGHT SWITCH

To prepare:
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• Take a photo of the wire connections after removing the cover plate to show how the wires are attached to the old switch before you take them apart. This will be helpful when installing the new switch.

• Keep yourself safe throughout the installation process by wearing rubber-soled shoes and using insulated (rubber) tools.

• Look for the circuit breaker linked to the switch, and if your house uses fuses, ensure you disconnect it from the fuse box before you begin your DIY. 

Steps:

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• Switch the power off. Remove the cover plate. Verify that electricity no longer flows through the circuit using a voltage tester. Write a note and put it on the electric panel warning others not to switch the power back on until told otherwise.

• Disconnect the wire connections for inspection. Unfasten the mounting screws and carefully remove the switch out of the wall box. Inspect the wiring. A broken or loose wire connection might be responsible for the defect. Ensure the wires are disconnected from the switch, and the unprotected copper wires are neatly taken care of. If the wire-connection lies behind the switch, cut the wire at the end closest to the device and get rid of all damaged wires. 

• Prepare the electrical wires for connection to the new switch. Remove the rubber coating, so a few inches of the copper conductor is revealed. Twist the tails of each wire into a hook using the needle-nose plier, such that the hook is tight enough to fit around the terminal screw.

• Attach the electrical wires to the new switch. Loosen the terminal screws found on the new switch until they become impossible to twist. Connect the black wire and white wire to the two brass screw terminals by coiling the wires around the screws in a circular manner. The third wire (copper ground wire) to the green ground screw in a similar manner of coiling around the screws. Ensure the connection is tight around each screw by tightening the screw terminals and squeezing the wire ends firmly using a long-nose plier.

• Take the safe route by using electrical tape. Cover all exposed wires and terminals with electrical tape to prevent any electrical hazard.

• Return the switch back into the wall box. Carefully bend the wires and place the switch back into the wall box. Fasten the switch in place by tightening the mounting screws.

• Cover with a switch plate. Fix the new ornamental wall plate. Switch power back on and test if the switch is working well.

• Always buy spec-rated or commercial devices, so switches used over and over last longer. Furthermore, by reviewing the required tools and materials, you can save a lot of time and prevent interruptions as you can easily pick them up in one trip to the store before your project starts.

CONCLUSION

A single-pole switch controls a light fixture from one spot. With every tool in place, necessary safety precautions are taken, and guidelines to follow, fixing or changing a simple light switch is not a tough DIY to complete.
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