Replacing a 3-way Switch

NOTE* On the back of a three way switch is the word common

   

 

Replacing a 3-way Switch

Step 1

 

Locate the common wire- Turn off power and mark the main service panel. Remove the cover plate screws and cover plate.Test for power with a circuit tester or multimeter by placing one probe on the metal box or ground wire and touching the other probe to each screw the lamp light should not light. Locate the dark common screw terminal,and mark that wire with masking tape.

 

Step 2

 

Connect common wire on new switch-To make sure the new three-way swwitch gets wired properly,disconnect the common wire on the old switch and then immediately connect it to the common screw terminal on the new switch-it's most likely copper or black or will be labeled on the back of the switch as COMMON.

 

Step 3

 

Connect remaining wires-Now you can disconnect the remaining wires and hook them up to the new switch. Since these wires are interchangeable you can attach them to either of the remaining  screw terminals. When you're done,gently push the excess wire and the switch back into the box,install the mounting screws and cover plate,restore the power.Test the switch for proper operation.

Replacing a Breaker

Replacing a Breaker
Replacing a breaker isn't difficult,but you need to pay close attention to saftey rules
when working inside an energised panel.The first thing to do is to remove the panel cover it's typically held in place with four slotted screws.After the screws are removed lift the cover out and off and set it aside.Although it would be best to turn power off to the panel completely,this usually isn't possible.If you can't turn off the main breaker for the panel.At the very minimum,turn the power off to the breaker that you need to replace.If you are working inside an energized panel, be careful and take your time.There is only one wire to disconnect from the breaker the black wire connected to the load terminal.Using an insulated-grip screwdriver reach in with one hand and loosen the screw.Set the screwdriver down and,with the same hand reach in and carefully pull out the black wire.Don't touch the bare end,temporarily twist a wire nut on the end to prevent accidental contact.Most breakers are held in place by the contacts that slip over the panel bus,they're located under the breaker closet to the center of the panel.A clip under the load terminal screw on the other end hooks on to the panel.To remove a breaker,grasp it firmly and pull up on the end near the center.Press the new breaker into place by first hooking the clip onto the panel,then press the tabs onto the bus.With the breaker off,remove the wirenut that you temporarily twisted on the end of the black wire.Carefully slip this wire into the load terminal.Then use an insulated-grip screwdriver to tighten the screw.gently pull on thewire to make sure you have a solid connection.Replace the main panel cover and restore power.