When the light is out, first replace the bulb with one you know will light. With the new bulb in the socket turn on the switch. If light doesn't go on, check the fuse box or circuit breaker in the basement. If fuses are all good or the breakers are not tripped, the problem is probably the switch.
1. Purchase a switch. If the light can be turned on from two different wall switches buy a "2-way switch". If only one switch turns on light, buy a "regular switch".
2. Remove fuse or flip circuit breaker to off, usually found in the basement.
3. Unscrew and remove the face plate on the wall switch. 4. Unscrew the top and bottom mounting screws and pull switch box out.
5. Loosen the terminal screws on the side or end of the switch and remove switch.
6. Connect a new switch to the wires. Hook wires in a clockwise direction around screws so wires will wrap around screw when it is tightened. The black wire should go to the brass colored screw and the white wire to the silvery colored screw.
7. Reassemble the switch, doing the above steps in reverse order.
(Vis. 1) This article was written by Anne Field, Extension Specialist, Emeritus, with reference from MSU Extension bulletin Electrical Repairs You Can Do.
Repairing Wall Switches Pictures MSU 2003
