Should I change out this switch?


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Old 01-15-17, 07:27 PM
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Should I change out this switch?

Old switches from maybe 1970's. They're all backstabbed of course as is just about every outlet in the house. Time to get busy!

Anyways, the switch works fine.

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Old 01-15-17, 08:26 PM
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It makes sense as it is a good refresh. It is nice when you have new/clean/paint-free switches, receptacles, and faceplates.

Learn how to press the release spring to remove the wire.

Put a piece of black electrical tape on that white wire while you are in there.

Make sure that the ground wires in the boxes are all connected to the box since they are metal.

Use spec grade commercial style switches receptacles. I like the thicker switch. And with metal boxes you don't have to worry about wiring the grounding conductor to the outlet.
 
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Old 01-16-17, 10:21 AM
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What should I do to these old switches and switchplates in the kitchen area? I'm thinking of putting in dimmers and those more modern "flat" type switches?

1970's ....
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Old 01-16-17, 11:02 AM
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Type of switch is up to you but replacing cover plate and switch will make a big difference.
 
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Old 01-16-17, 11:55 AM
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Type of switch is up to you but replacing cover plate and switch will make a big difference.
Thanks. I actually want to install dimmers here to. One for the kitchen and one for the living room. I know now that they also have dimmers in the regular toggle style. I kind of wanted to go with rockers because I thought they were more modern looking, but now I see there's somewhat of a debate with respect to rocker vs. toggle.
 
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Old 01-16-17, 12:06 PM
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Decora® switches do look nice. It is personal taste, though but you should at least make each area of the home consistent - minimize mixing. Small toggle, large toggle or rocker/Decora style.

Here is a pic of two ganged rocker dimmers
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Old 01-16-17, 01:43 PM
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Remember to take a little exacta knife etc & make a cut/mark all the way around the plate/cover so you wont pull a strip of paint off the wall when you remove the face plate.
 
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Old 01-17-17, 05:33 PM
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Thanks, I did have to use of boxknife to carefully cut around as to not tear off any paint. I figured the first one I'll do are the 2 single pole switches (without dimmers) for now and so I'll start with these. I got the face plate off and tomorrow I'll begin the work. I might have to shut the whole main down because there's a thermostat next to this switch and after killing 2 breakers last night to kill power for these 2 switches my non-contact was still giving signals as to power around the switches. I think it was the thermo, but I think it's easier to cut the whole house or maybe just the FURNACE will do.

Anyways, I ended up getting 2 Pass & Seymour Legrand Almond lighted rocker switches to replace the old Toggles and an Almond switchplate. Are these ok? They seem nice when I switch them, they have a nice feel.

Here's the old scary switches opened up. The one on the left lately has been not working intermittently, so it's a good time to replace!

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Old 01-17-17, 06:57 PM
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Pay special attention to the wiring on the odd colored screw on any 3 way switch.

Use the unbreakable nylon trim plates. They are very nice and do not crack.
 
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Old 01-17-17, 08:41 PM
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Pay special attention to the wiring on the odd colored screw on any 3 way switch.

Use the unbreakable nylon trim plates. They are very nice and do not crack.
Thanks pcboss, but these ones are just two SINGLE POLE switches. I'm thinking of returning these and getting the LEVITON instead in the almond. What do you think?
 
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Old 01-18-17, 03:05 AM
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LEVITON is a good brand. Color is up to you. Usually depends on rest of room or what wife says.
 
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Old 01-18-17, 05:49 AM
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Pass and Seymour/LeGrande, Leviton and Cooper are are well known brands. I prefer P&S, but I don't think you will go wrong with any of the above.
 
 

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