How do I change a 3-way light switch out in a bathroom for a more updated look?

It is currently beige, screws are missing from the plate. If complicated electricity isinvolved forget it. Thanks
How do I change a 3-way light switch out in a bathroom for a more updated look?
Tools required: flashlight, phillips screwdriver, maybe wire cutters

#1 TURN OFF YOU POWER AT THE FUSE BOX!!!!!!!!!

#2 Remove old plate (should be really easy since the screws are missing!)

#3 There should be 2 or possible 3 screws in the %26quot;guts%26quot; part of the switch. One is silver, one is gold and might have one that is green.

#4 Undo these screws and remove all of the parts to the old switch. You should be left with 2 or 3 wires sticking out of the wall.

#5 Install the new switch by attaching the white wire to the silver screw, black wire to the gold screw and green wire to the green screw - do not be alarmed if there is no green screw, this is only the ground wire and isn't required to have it function. (most old houses will not have them.)

EASY TIP - you should already have the wires ready to attach to the new hardware, but if the wires are in bad condition (the individual copper wires are broken) you will need a set of wire cutters (they look like plyers) Cut the entire wire off as close to the end as you can while still removeing the damaged section. Cut the colored plastic about 1/4 inch from the end and remove only the plastic section (do not cut the wires too) Take the bundle of copper wires and twist them clockwise. Place the bundle of twisted wires between the appropriate screw and the metal plate behind the screw. Tighten the screw. Repeate for the remaining wires.

#6 Install the new plate on the outside of the switch

#7 Turn the power back on %26amp; enjoy your handy work!



It sounds like a lot but it only takes about 10 minutes!



Good luck and if in doubt have a friend watch you do it to help talk you through the steps.



Please e-mail me if you need clearification!
How do I change a 3-way light switch out in a bathroom for a more updated look?
Not hard at all, when you take it off just put the wires back on the new one the same way.
one the new switch the screw by itself takes the hot wire

the other two screw terminals take the travelers

as with any electrical project turn off the power and verify its off labeling the breaker in repair until your done
Did somebody say 3-WAY?!?!?!!?!?!
If you are in any doubt go through Yahoo to www.quikship.com/nrha/ELEC/elec2.htm tip numbers 6/7/8 %26quot;How a three way switch works%26quot;