Mrs. Fixit: Coordinating Electrical Elements

September 19, 2010

All you're going to do is change the switch. So, start by turning off the power at the electrical box. Remove the covers and use a circuit tester to be sure the power is off.

Loosen the connecting screws and remove the old switch paying attention to where the wires belong.

Put the new piece in place, reconnecting the wires and tightening those connecting screws.

Then carefully push the switch back into place and replace the cover.

To replace an outlet, do the same, pull it out and look at the way it's connected before you remove it. Some use terminal screws on the side and others have slots on the back for the wires.

Attach the wires to the new outlet the same as it same as it was to the old. Normally you will connect the white wire to the silver terminal and the black wire to a brass screw. Push the outlet back into the box and replace the cover.

Now all you have to do is switch the power back on and enjoy those nicely coordinated outlets and switches! I'm Mrs. Fixit and it's just that simple!

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