See attached photo. This switch in my building has quit working. Can I replace it with a new switch, or does it need to be the same style switch?

Wow, that is an old wire. Braided cover disappeared in the 50's. Where are you located, looks like the neutral is switched too? Europe? 240?

It's an out buliding behind the house I live in, yes very old wiring, the cable coming from the bottom of the switch goes to a nearby outlet, the two cables coming in the top go up to the ceiling in different directions.



Wow, that is an old wire. Braided cover disappeared in the 50's. Where are you located, looks like the neutral is switched too? Europe? 240?

That switch must be older than I am.
Purchase a nail up box, switch and cover plate.


1. Turn off power.
2. Disconnect wires from switch.
3. Remove 2x4 that switch is mounted on. You are going to need
a few extra inches of cable.
4. Cut the cable coming in from the top.
5 . Strip back about 6" of sheathing on each cable.
6. Nail new box up to side of stud.
7. Put cables in new box.
8. Connect all white wires together with wire nut.
9. Connect the two black coming from top together and add a pigtail.
10. Connect pigtail and black wire from bottom to switch.
11. Install cover plate.
12. Turn power on.

I got it all fixed up with a little help from my son, and neighbor we got it swapped out with a new updated switch that works.

48403


That switch must be older than I am.
Purchase a nail up box, switch and cover plate.


1. Turn off power.
2. Disconnect wires from switch.
3. Remove 2x4 that switch is mounted on. You are going to need
a few extra inches of cable.
4. Cut the cable coming in from the top.
5 . Strip back about 6" of sheathing on each cable.
6. Nail new box up to side of stud.
7. Put cables in new box.
8. Connect all white wires together with wire nut.
9. Connect the two black coming from top together and add a pigtail.
10. Connect pigtail and black wire from bottom to switch.
11. Install cover plate.
12. Turn power on.