This procedure is a simple process that requires only afew tools. these include a multimeter, needlenose pliers and a thin blade screwdriver and possibly a sharp knife if there is a lot of paint on the edge of the receptacle cover.

First remove the cover plate screw and pull the cover plate off. Remove the screws from each end of the receptacle and gently pull the receptacle from the box by grasping the receptacle at the ends where the screws were.

Again, make sure that the power is off before disconnecting the wires from the receptacle. First, see if the breaker panel is properly marked. Shut off the correct breaker. If the panel is not marked, you can shut off all the 120volt breakers ( the narrow breakers with only one terminal). then set the multimeter on the 250 vac scale and touch 1 lead to the ground lead (the bare wire) and the other lead to the black wire connection and then to the white wire connection.
You should not show a voltage on either test. If you show about 120 volts, go back and recheck the breakers to make sure you have power off at the receptacle. When the test shows 0 volts, you can remove the wires from the receptacle.

Note: the receptacle may have 2 sets of wires on all connections. If it does be sure to get them all reconnected properly or you may have another receptacle not working.

The black wire goes on the gold colored screw and the white wire goes on the silver screw. The ground wire (bare wire) goes on the green screw.

After all the wires are connected, reinstall the receptacle and replace the cover plate. then turn on the breaker and use the multimeter to see if you have 120 volts – depending on your location, the multimeter will show between 110volts and 130 volts and that is OK.

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The next option is to replace the switch yourself. This can be task can be accomplished in a short time with few tools. the tools required are a thin bladed screwdriver, needle nose pliers and a multimeter. The light switch can be purchased from a local hardware store, usually for $2 or $3.

Note: The tools required to do the repairs are not necessarily expensive. A Palm-Size Digital Multimeter Tool, DT830B can be purchased for less than $20. A Fuller 405-2925 Pro 5-Inch Long Nose Cutting Plier with Comfort Grips can be purchased for less than $10. If you have a regular flat head screwdriver, it will probably do the job.

The first step is to remove the 2 screws that hold the switch cover in place. Next remove the 2 screws that hold the switch in place and grasping the switch where the screws were, gently pull out from the switch box.

At this time make sure that the power to the switch is off. If the breaker panel is well marked,turn off the proper breaker. Then go to the switch and test to make sure the voltage is off. To do this set the multimeter on the 250vac scale. Place 1 lead on the ground wire ( it will be bare) and the other lead on the other leads, one at a time. If either test shows voltage of about 120 volts, the power is still on. You can try turning off the breakers 1 at a time and repeating the multimeter test you will find the correct circuit to turn off. You can also turn off all of the 120volt breakers (they are the ones with only 1 narrow bar to turn off) to be sure. After making sure that the power is off, you can disconnect the switch.

Mark the wires and remove them one at a time. reconnect the wires on the new switch and install the switch in the switch box. replace the switch cover and the the last step is turn the breaker back on.

As you can see, the light switch replacement can be done quickly and much cheaper than calling an electrician and waiting for an appointment.

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