I need to replace two single pole switches that are next to each other.?

Question

One switch looks exactly like the switches we bought. The other (older, by the look of it) has a terminal on each side, as well as two holes in the back. There are two black wires going to the back of the switch. Then, one black wire runs from one terminal to a terminal on the second switch. The second switch also has a second black wire. How do I replace these? I don't see how I can duplicate the wiring, since three black wires are attached to the older switch. If you need to see a picture, let me know, and I can email you one.

Answer 1

This guide has some simple tips on doing it

Answer 2

Both switches are single pole... What is happening is the older switch has that "jumper wire" supplying power to the other switch... So you can wire it by running a jumper from one switch to the other or you can pigtail two supply wires from the constant hot in the box and supply each switch separately. it does not matter what side or terminal you put the wires to as long as the switch is right side up.... Up will be on and Down will be off. make sure to mark the constant hot before you take it apart as all the wires are black. normally the switch legs have a loop bent into them to identify them but this is not always the case. So in summary There are three wires in the box...One is constant hot..... one is for a light??? and the third is for another light or fan or ...whatever..  the constant hot has to go to one terminal on both switches..so they have power to switch. and the other two wires go to the other terminal on each switch respectively... You can do it ! make d**n sure the power is off ...........good luck

Reply :     yes you can  but really there are only three wires coming to the box. dont count the jumper wire or the cluster of neutral(white ) wires that are probably in the back of the box.  You can put the constant hot to the (lets use the lower ) s***w on one switch and a jumper from that switches lower hole to the other switch to supply power to it..... then use the upper holes the plug the other switch leg wires into respctively..

Answer 3

these are in the wall to switch lights or in the power panel? e-mail the picture if this doesn't help.

If this is to control 2 lights. the switch that has 2 black wires, 1 is power to switch, the other black is going to the light. The black going to the other switch is just powering the 2ND switch.

Answer 4

It sounds like the second switch is borrowing power from the first one .Rewire the same way and you will not change anything.Screws and holes on the switch are the same.Depends how u want to put wires in to it .