How can I safely access the wires in this light switch without having to cut them and start from scratch in case the replacement switch doesn’t work?
Asked by Aleksi Ketola 
8 months ago
Last Updated: April 28, 2024
Hey! I’m changing out some light switches and I’m stuck on this one. I can’t find a screw to take off the back plate and get to the wires. My backup plan is to cut the wires and start fresh, but I’m hesitant in case the new switch doesn’t work. I’d hate to end up without a working light switch.
It is connected with a wire nut to the hot and switch leg.
The wires from the switch are connected to the wires in the box and are capped with marrettes to the corresponding wires. You do not separate them.
The wires are integrated into the switch and connected using wire nuts.
I really appreciate your help!
Those wires are integrated into the switch. They are detached from the wires in the box. It appears that another switch controls the same light. I once had a switch with dim control that had 2 reds and one black. It worked well to connect them together and control one light. Similar to the image shown.
The wires are connected together, just give them a gentle tug to remove the remaining wires.
You can find the connections at the back of the box, simply unscrew them to disconnect.
It seems to me that if you have the necessary skills for the task, you would already know the solution.
It seems like no one learns anything… ever.
For a 3-way dimmer switch, the black wire is the common wire and the two red wires are the travelers. Make sure to take a photo of the current wiring before making any changes. What are you planning to replace it with?
Just got a new 3-way dimmer!
I suggest putting everything back the way it was. Remember to take a photo of the wiring before making any changes and double-check that the breakers are switched off.
Remove the wire nuts from the box. You’ll find the hot return and ground wires all right there.
The wires are already connected to the switch, just unscrew the wire nuts one by one
The wires are connected with wire nuts. If you’re hesitant about removing the wires from the box to work with them then it might be best to call a professional.
Do not cut the wires and connect new ones as you will create additional breaks in the circuit. Follow those wires back to their connection point and disconnect them from there, unless the new switch does not have wires attached. In that case, you will need to cut them.
Edit: If you are concerned about the new switch not working and need to cut the wires to connect it, you could create a small jumper so you can disconnect that switch without cutting the wires.
I’m not sure from the picture. Is the house wire going into push-ins or is it the wire that was originally attached to the switch?
It appears to be the house wire. Try loosening the side terminals as they might be securing the wires.
Alternatively, look for a small hole where you can insert a flat screwdriver to release the wires.
Take a step back from the box