Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    techtimdavis's Avatar
    techtimdavis Posts: 103, Reputation: 1
    Junior Member
    		  
    #1

    Jul 5, 2016, 02:36 PM
    A light switch in my garage has stopped working, can I replace it?
    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?
    Attached Images
      
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
    Uber Member
    		  
    #2

    Jul 5, 2016, 04:23 PM
    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?
    techtimdavis's Avatar
    techtimdavis Posts: 103, Reputation: 1
    Junior Member
    		  
    #3

    Jul 5, 2016, 04:28 PM
    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.


    Quote Originally Posted by ma0641 View Post
    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?
    hkstroud's Avatar
    hkstroud Posts: 11,929, Reputation: 899
    Home Improvement & Construction Expert
    		  
    #4

    Jul 5, 2016, 04:49 PM
    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.
    Attached Images
     
    techtimdavis's Avatar
    techtimdavis Posts: 103, Reputation: 1
    Junior Member
    		  
    #5

    Jul 26, 2016, 05:03 PM
    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.

    Name: New switch in garage.JPG Views: 128 Size: 1.32 MB

    Quote Originally Posted by hkstroud View Post
    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.
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Stanley garage opener remotes stopped working [ 0 Answers ]

Wall button works, built-in car remote works, however two portable remotes stopped working after I had a new garage door spring installed. Model D1000 is old but was working fine. I don't understand why this happened. Replaced battery, insured 10 code is set the same on opener and remote yet no...

Light switch stopped working [ 3 Answers ]

I replaced the outlets in the room and now the light won't turn off. So I changed the light switch and it didn't fix the problem. What should I do now?

I have a harbor breeze fan, light. The wall switch (UC-9050T) has stopped working.. [ 0 Answers ]

When it is turned on, the light on the fixture goes up and down as though I was pushing the light button. The fan does not work at all. Any one know what I shoud do? Thanks, Tim

Garage remotes stopped working in whole neighborhood [ 3 Answers ]

We live in a 40 home community and we all had a problem opening our garage doors with our remotes. The doors opened from the inside opener but not with the remote controls.

Outlet and light switch in two different rooms stopped working [ 7 Answers ]

Outlet and light switch in two different rooms stopped working. I have tested both at the wire source and it seems that there is no power going to either. Other light switches and outlets in the same rooms do operate. Any ideas?

View more questions Search