The BIGGEST Mistakes DIYers Don't Know They Are Making When Wiring Light Switches | How To

In this video I show you some of the most common mistakes that are made when installing light switches. Some of these are not done just by DIYers, I have also seen some of the pros make some of these same mistakes. Hopefully this will help or at least serve as a reminder for some of the mistakes I have seen and point out some better practices that can be taken to avoid problems in the future! Some of them overlap receptacle mistakes but often with their own nuances.
Products In the Video:
Milwaukee 13 in 1 ECX Screwdriver: amzn.to/3RQMAWE
Milwaukee ECX Bits: amzn.to/3K0cCFc
Klein Combination Screwdrivers: amzn.to/3IfQHrY
Eaton Decora Commercial Light Switch: amzn.to/40M7gDe
Eaton Toggle Commercial Light Switch: Currently not in stock. Check your local home improvement store.
Eaton Standard Light Switch: amzn.to/3jWqaXn
Southwire Wire Strippers: amzn.to/3xbWx7w
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Blessings,
Adam
How To Home assumes no liability for damage or injury. How To Home highly recommends using proper safety procedures and professionals when needed. Our content is for entertainment purposes only. No information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not How To Home. How To Home will not be held liable for any negligent or accidental damage or injury resulting from equipment, tools, electrical, fire, electronics or any items contained in this video. Attempt projects and repairs at your own risk.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Can you think of any other mistakes made when installing these light switches? Hopefully this was helpful and maybe a good refresher. Please let me know! Thanks!

[@deshawnmoon35]

This was very helpful thank you so much!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome! Really glad to hear you found it helpful. Thanks a lot for the feedback!

[@PredatorOmnivore]

Those J bends hooks are a terrible way to connect a wire under a screw head. Instead you should make a Shepard's Hook with the extra up turned bend at the end of the hook. You then slip the hook over and under the screw head and then use your needle nose pliers to pinch the upturned end to make the hook loop very tight around the screw.

[@DennieDiFilippo-hg9mn]

Lmao!!!!

[@alphanovahawk]

B 😮😮m😮m no mommy be Iiiio😅😅 😅k​@@deshawnmoon35 look

[@lbeu1]

I am an 80 year old woman, and I just replaced two light switches, after folowing your excellent ande clear directions. The old ones had the wires just stuck in the back, but I stripped the wires, bent them as you showed, and used the two side screws. THANK YOU SO MUCH !

[@loriguthrie9971]

I am a single woman DYI-er. I absolutely fear doing electrical work myself, but felt like a switch is a good place to start. So far I like your delivery. You don't talk in a condecending way, but in an educational way. Exactly what I am looking for!

[@beck943]

Guys, girls, we all need to learn somewhere. Everyone starts from scratch.

[@ethan073]

I’m an electrical engineer and electricity genuinely scares me too 😂 but it SHOULD scare you or you WILL end up getting hurt. Get a voltmeter/ohmmeter, learn how to use them, and always double check you’re not live before you touch anything. Happy fixing!

[@mikemacdonald2032]

I'm a licensed electrician. The most important thing, is to make sure the power is off. Learn how to use a tester, the right way...basically every device needs a hot and a neutral, except a switch . There's alot of good information on you tube. But remember, if you're not comfortable, then hire a professional. It's not worth a fire,or injury

[@TreyMoney-ix4nt]

Electric is simple. Watch videos

[@thunderhammer1937]

Find a Man to help you or hire an Electrician.

[@jtsather4535]

That was actually a good tutorial. I've been an electrician over 30 years. Most of the time these type of videos make me cringe, but you did a good job. One of the first things I learned about switches was not installing them upside down. If correct it will say"ON".. If upside down it says "NO".

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Great added point. Never thought of it that way with it saying no. Thanks for the feedback!

[@derekalfaro9764]

Since there is an up orientation, incoming hot goes on top. This makes switching the toggle up match with a lit room.

[@patti6194]

Lol! As a non tradesman, this made me think of the 1st rule of plumbing, "water" runs downhill. This would have to be the second rule of electricians, though, because the first rule is always, "Make sure the power's off."

[@Tom-og7fi]

As a general rule the switch is a disconnect. So the hot wire goes on the top and the switch leg goes on the bottom it may seem trivial but trained electricians will do it this way or at least they should.

[@tjm0746]

I think the thing I love most about ur vids is that u start your vids w no BS intros. You just get straight to the point. Love it!

[@maofuentes9680]

An excellent example of how you can be a successful KZbinr without the need to be flashy, and annoying .. you are great at what you do. Keep it up. Straight to the point. I love it.

[@isaacacosta4496]

I'm an electrician but it never hurts to watch these videos to make sure I'm still on point lol very good informative video for sure brotha pass the knowledge

[@TCSC47]

At 1:15 you point out that we need to wrap the wire around the screw clockwise, so that the wire is pulled under the screw rather than pushed out. Lol! This took me all the way back to 1962 when my physics school teacher showed us this! And I have followed this tip ever since. Rock on!

[@caseycooper5615]

You are absolutely right that electrically, it doesn't matter which terminals are line and load on a two-way (single throw). However, consistency is important, and I always follow the convention of using the bottom terminal for line. This is similar to how we tape the white wire on a backfed cable and use that for the supply. In my estimation, being consistent, even if it doesn't matter, goes a long way to eliminating guesswork and easing troubleshooting.

[@curtisholzschuh7465]

I'm just wondering why you wouldn't use the top as line, and bottom as load. That is how all disconnects are labeled and one of the first things you learn in Electrical 101

[@raycruickshank4928]

Hi Casey, I too use consistency but I put the line on top, so I wonder where did you find the convention of putting line on bottom? Thank you

[@jesssimpson5959]

I find your comment interesting because as a retired electrician with close to forty years experience, I was taught the saying early in my apprenticeship hot to top and that is the industry standard at least in my area which is the west coast of the United States but it may not be the industry standard in your area I suppose.

[@easterlingderek34]

Well i can say a few things about these. Yes most disconnects are line on top and meters as well but here in the south i have seen a lot of electricians do line on bottom. I have redone some 90+ year old houses that was very well done that also had line on bottom. Of course like my 90 year old great uncle who was a engineer for Honey Well told me it doesn’t really matter where it goes. But for some residential electricians they put the line on bottom as usually most pulls have the power come from a plug underneath. So at a glance you always know. Where the hot is.

[@user-vk2vz2sn7o]

so true

[@timothytacner4865]

I am finally buying my first house at age 49. I've done remodel jobs for others quite a bit. These videos are great. I'm seeing some mistakes I've made in the past. (No dangerous ones) Your videos filled with "right" way really assures me that I won't make those mistakes again. Thank you so much for creating this content. It's funny how small little tricks can save so much time and frustration.

[@ethan073]

Congrats on the house 👏

[@catbirdherping9857]

Extremely helpful video! I just want to put a switch in for a light in our sheep pen, instead of going in the shed every time to plug/unplug it. Thanks for sharing this!

[@proudwhitesettler7746]

Lots of good tips in your videos. I'm a DIYer, been wiring stuff for years, way before the internet came along. I learned most of this stuff the hard way by making these mistakes. It's a miracle that I didn't burn a house or two down. When I look at some of my attempts at wiring from 30 or 40 years ago it scares hell out of me. My advice to beginners is to buy a CURRENT copy of "Wiring Simplified", study and learn it until you know it by heart. When an updated copy comes out buy it. Someone's life may depend on it. Follow the code, it is not only for safety but it is a standard that the next sparky expects, a standardized procedure so there are no nasty surprises for the next guy.

[@dvmaguireclc]

All excellent information. I recently had to replace all switches & outlets in our home as the contractor used the backstabbing method of wiring. 80% of all connections were failing. The structure of the outlet/switch became unstable, breaking the plastic causing arcing. I noticed the problem one quiet evening while walking past a switch that was on & making a snspping noise. Please pay attention to this. It can become very dangerous.

[@ericajohnson5747]

I found this video to be so much more helpful than any of the others on this same topic. Very informative! Every question I had was answered and I had tons. I'm trying to learn how to repair things myself, without a man's help. Thanks to this video I feel pretty confident that I can make this repair on my own. I will definitely be checking out your other videos.

[@josephcameron4771]

Definitely worth the time for anyone that has ever even thought about wiring to watch. Will be using this as a training video for my coworkers.

[@smiththomas64]

Be careful, in some wiring configurations the white wire may not be a neutral. So it’s not always a good idea to blindly connect all the white wires together unless you know what’s going on with the circuitry! Thanks for posting!

[@meyou9369]

I love how thoroughly you cover all of the issues. It's like you have asked those questions yourself and found out for us. Great attention to detail while showing what you are talking about.

[@cliffscott9547]

Thanks for helping me not burn my house down.

[@woodwaker1]

The last minute was the best. I had a problem with some cheap switches and wall plugs. Replaced them all with the commercial versions. Much easier then using the J hook and better than back stabbing. These are more expensive, but well worth it. I also purchased a screwdriver with the tip your showed, works great on all electrical screws

[@andrewdraper6586]

You did a really good job using the job specific jargon in a clear way that made it easy to understand from context, which is rare for some of these type of videos.

[@SeeMissDee1000]

I rely on these videos as guides for small diy projects. Most just tell you what to do, but they don't show what can go or be wrong. This video is really helpful. Thank you.

[@dswearingen4579]

You always do an excellent job explaining things-much appreciated!!😁👍

[@joequillun7790]

A great refresher video for us DIYers. Thanks for the tutorial.

[@denisedale7943]

Great job! Thank you for doing this in such step by step process.

[@RobertNES816]

The last part was good information for me. I replaced all the switches in my house with Eaton Commercial Grade switches. All but the first two I installed were using the clamps. Watching this video reminded me to change the first two switches I did to use the clamps.

[@Dixie6716]

You put out very helpful videos for people that aren't 100% sure how to do the installs, thank you. I think one of the worst electrical mistakes being made is continuing to allow mobile home and modular home manufacturers to use those "self-contained" switches and outlets. I've had to replace way too many of those for people that live in those homes. Some not too long ago in a brand new doublewide. I don't know if you have any videos out there for those types or not. Thanks again for your great informative work.

[@b.vonschnauser207]

Clear and concise explanation in all you vids, including this one. You're a wealth of info brother. Thank you.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome. Really glad to hear you are finding value in the channel. Thanks a lot for leaving feedback! See ya in the next video!

[@thomasbarrett3175]

Love all your videos. You have that knack for simplifying everything.

[@markfields2089]

Thank you for the tip on the drill driver no strip bits. Wish I would have found those years ago but glad I have them now.

[@rkerby6375]

Great explanations on proper wiring techniques! Well done!

[@farklestaxbaum4945]

Other problem with what you cover at 7:50, the "back stabbing method" is if you push the wires in from the back, yet leave the sidewire screws OUT, those screws are now HOT and sticking out the side of switch a substantial amount. This makes is much easier for them to accidentally come in contact with another wire or even touch another switch or outlet in the box. If you use this method, you still need to turn the screws all the way in even though they aren't actually retaining the wire.

[@mrfester42]

Really great point! I'm surprised he didn't cover that in the video.

[@jonesgang]

I have seen that happen a lot. People will use the backstab and not tighten the screws. If you are installing that device into a metal box you are asking for problems leaving those screw loose. If you are installing quad outlets then those screw are extremely close to one another risking either a short or arching situation. Always tighten all the screws, even the unused screws on a receptacle.

[@nancykeslar7656]

Best thing to do is never ever use the back stab method. I’ve replaced tons of outlets & switches all because the connections failed. -gary-

[@jonesgang]

@@nancykeslar7656 To play devils advocate, so don't shoot me. Backstabs when used properly should never fail. Problem is they are almost never used the right way. The failures happened then they get daisy chained. If they only get a dead end connection like from a pigtail it should never fail. Passing current through the backstabs is what causes them to fail.

[@deadmanswife3625]

Interesting Ty

[@ItOttoMatic]

Thanks 🙏🏻 you ALWAYS provide much appreciated knowledge.

[@jeaneennguyen]

I just learned how to change out outlets this week (son taught me). I got ready to change my garbage disposal switch & and it's a bit different! So far, you cleared up my confusion on why I had no copper ground. Hopefully, before it's over, I'll find out why I have 3 black wires & no white.

[@leroysmith8203]

Thank you so much for the break down on installing and light switch.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome. I am really glad to hear that you liked it. Thank you very much for the feedback Leroy! Take care!

[@RJ-ej1nr]

A tricky mistake is in assuming the existing stuff in the wall is normal/done correctly. Having someone experienced advise as you learn is invaluable. Miscolored wires, improper multiwire branch circuits, partial faults, are examples of things that could be lead to trouble without the right theory and experience background to recognize. A dangerous case I had was someone who fixed a tripping breaker by disconnecting the ground (EGC). It stopped the tripping, but what they didn't know is it was caused when someone crushed a hot in a clamp which made the box cases all live. I was looking at different circuit completely. This was in a bathroom next to a shower, and it's a miracle no one was hurt.

[@jtsather4535]

Never assume the guy begore you knew what he was doing. I learned that one 30 years ago the hard way.

[@r_j_p_]

AMEN Brother! Don't even trust yourself. Test and check, retest, recheck assumptions.

[@JamesMason888]

@@r_j_p_ 👍 Just like in programming (and software engineering in general) expect that the previous guy did something stupid, made some questionable decisions, or failed to document. Even if, and _especially if_, the previous guy was you.

[@JamesMason888]

@@jtsather4535 Yeah, I learned that one the semi-hard way (there was voltage, but not the full 110) many years ago. I turned off the breaker for the circuit where I was replacing an outlet... verified that the hot was deenergized using a non-contact tester, and went ahead and started wiring the outlet. As soon as I touched the "neutral" trying to make a j-hook... ZAP!!! What had happened was the this circuit's counterpart on the other phase was still on... and the two neutrals were had been tied together in one of the junction boxes rather than keeping them isolated until the panel. In addition, there were some poor connections along that path leading to there being significant residual potential between the neutral wire and ground (i.e., me). That one was fun to debug.... I disconnected the neutral-neutral connection and (part of) the other circuit stopped working because that was its only (decent) return path, at which point I had to work my way through a long daisy chain of outlets (including both indoor and outdoor ones on the same circuit 😡) correcting _many_ bad connections along the way until the whole thing had a decent return path. So like in the video, poor connections matter, even a little extra resistance can add up over an (absurdly long) daisy chain.

[@LK-jt9ln]

Super helpful and exactly what I was looking for to finish my light switch switch out!

[@DSesignD]

I'm digging these - thanks. I should've watched before I swapped out half the lights in my house, and now I'm doing my smart switches. This also helps me troubleshoot some stuff from before I moved in.

[@davidgrygier2085]

After going through and updating the plugs and switches in a 40+ yr old house, I have seen almost all of these mistakes (and made a few myself before fixing them). Thanks so much for the wonderful video and taking the time to explain these.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome. I bet you saw quite a bit updating all of that. Thanks a lot for the feedback David!

[@monteeposey4255]

I’ve been watching your channel for a few months now. I’m getting ready to buy a fixer-upper home and now I feel much more comfortable and confident with rewiring a box if I need to I love your channel. Thank you so much for doing this.

[@user-ot9cs8el2g]

Very helpful and presented in a simple way way that almost anyone can understand! Thank you.

[@lionelscotti9103]

Hands down, this is the BEST light switch wiring tutorial I've seen!!!

[@bn6728]

Great video. My 2 cents on backstabbing: Last week the outlet behind my refrigerator was throwing sparks and beginning to catch fire. Thankfully, I was home at the time and cut the power and put out the fire. When removing the outlet, I discovered it was wired with backstabbing, and the wire just fell out of the bottom holes (where the fire started) when I pulled the outlet away from the box. Clearly there was arcing inside the outlet due to the connection failure. Backstabbing should not be allowed in code, and should be banned. I've since found that the previous owner, who remodelled the kitchen had backstabbed all the outlets. All have been replaced.

[@derekdavies7374]

Glad your house is safe I've been waiting to here stories of back stabbing failures and as I assumed it would be on a heavy amp load circuit such as ac,fridge,freezer.

[@bn6728]

@@derekdavies7374 Thanks, I was very fortunate. Unfortunately, though, I have no idea what other electrical work the former owner did, so now I have to go over everything in my house. Ugh.

[@wojtek-33]

I just replaced all my switches with decora style and some smart switches and the builder backstabbed them all for speed sake I imagine. It was annoying as some of them wouldn't release very easily for some reason. I have now back wired all my switches which makes me feel better after hearing your story. Outlets are next as I have had a couple of them fail due to arcing under high loads, vacuum and iron.

[@davidrosa3856]

I don’t understand why the US code hasn’t required that the ground wire be insulated 😮. In a switch box you have hot wires on open terminals and double that when a switch is on, then bare copper ground wires floating around in that same box.

[@clarencewiles963]

Thanks for the screwdriver information. Thumbs up 👍

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome. Thanks a lot for the feedback Clarence. Take care!

[@ChrisTopher-vs9zz]

THANKS! you gave me the answer i was looking for in the first 60 seconds and ... IT WORKED PERFECT!

[@straightfromthepen]

I appreciate your attention to details and for what you do to help others.

[@brevardhandyman]

Really appreciate the way you share info! Thanks man!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

It is my pleasure! I am really glad that you are finding value in it. Thanks a lot for the feedback Scott!

[@TheTubejunky]

I have learned this when I was a child. Seems like common sense. Understanding current flow / conductivity is pretty important for anyone doing electrical work.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Indeed. Appreciate the feedback.

[@georgerow5025]

Current flow,ac or dc. Conductivity,divide the wattage by the applicable voltage to get the amperage. Chose a wire size that carries the current without overheating.

[@danielcardinale4562]

​@@georgerow5025 ss

[@tbb7406]

Common sense isn't so common you'd be surprised

[@bethk893]

You're lucky - some of us were told to "go play outside-" and never gained that particular "common sense"

[@jonathanbrush4259]

Never comment, but this was so helpful, clear, and to the point that I have to comment on this one. Really helpful. Thank you. I'm to the point that I don't do any electrical projects without looking for and watching your "mistakes" video.

[@heathershearer1799]

Helpful video! Tip #7 and the bonus tip were really interesting, and I haven't seen those in other similar videos I've watched.

[@jonesgang]

People need to be careful when buying the ECX or combo bits. There are two sizes #1 and #2 (KLEIN uses C1 and C2). #1 (C1) is smaller and used more for residential work and #2 (C2) is larger and used more for commercial work on items like EMT connectors and boxes. So, watch out for which one you are trying to buy. For switches and outlets, you need #1 (C1)

[@RichPenn]

Nice ! Really like the commercial grade and tool suggestions. I might suggest you talk about tools for stripping wire without damaging the conductor?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I am glad to hear you found that helpful. That is a fantastic idea Richard. I have added it to the list of videos to film. Thanks a lot for that. That is something I did not even think about and is an important topic that I if we are all being honest, most of us probably would admit we have damaged the wires from time to time removing the insulation. Thank you again!

[@JCWren]

@@HowToHomeDIY I'd like to see some on how to strip the jacket back on Romex :) I see these guys like Dustin from Electrician U just rip it out, but I always end up having to slit and then use nippers to cut inside the box. I've use electrician's scissors, but those are too small for my hand.

[@Freedbird]

I also wonder when making j hooks, are needle nose pliers with grooves in them damaging the wire, or do ghe little nicks matter ?

[@DennieDiFilippo-hg9mn]

I’m not a professional and you didn’t ask me…. But I just want to say - that as a person who doesn’t do this every day- simple - not fancy tools …. Are much better! I prefer Klein products…. And mine is affordable…. Cuts the gauges that I would ever need it to cut …. Has the stripping capacity for those gauges…. Has holes for helping to properly bend the wires and has a safety lock. Got mine on line for around $30 I think and used it to replace several outlets in my house and very happy with it. Just my 411.

[@dougaltolan3017]

​@@JCWren Try to have some spare cable in the wall (called a service loop) When preparing the cable you can pull some of that to the front of the box so you don't need to reach in to the back. When you are ready to fit the switch or socket just push that spare back in to the wall.

[@ravinderavnoor]

I have changed most of the switches and outlets with your help, thanks a lots. God bless.

[@gdub999tube]

Delivery of info is very good - better than many University profs I have witnessed.

[@ai8438]

I have replaced a couple of backstab connections made by our builder's electrician that had failed over time. One of them almost caught fire from arcing. It smoked and melted half the switch. As a rule i do not use them at all, and would advise everyone not to use them either. Don't care if it is approved by code or not. In my experience it has proved to be outright dangerous.

[@JamesMason888]

OMG, the builders electricians for mass-built new subdivisions! So much laziness and silly mistakes. You would think the electricians on those projects would be more careful than the other tradesmen, even when the pressure is on, but I guess not...

[@jeffwagner8068]

My brother who is a retired electrician who worked for a large college, always told me to wrap the screws with electrical tape. Lowers risk of contact an helps keep wiring secure.

[@curtisholzschuh7465]

You shouldn't wrap screws unless absolutely necessary, ie.: handybox, multi-ganged box or small ci. metal cut-in box. It will turn into a sticky mess for the next electrician that has to work in that box.

[@st-od8mt]

Great video, my husband and I just installed a switch I wasn't aware of this.now I know I will go back and check our install to see if we did it correctly thanks for sharing. Very informative and detailed

[@JK-hf7fd]

I love your content! Your explanations, and camerawork are so, so good. Thank you for providing such an informative and well made KZbin channel! I will be recommending you to anyone looking for a reliable, informative, and well produced channel.

[@rawx485]

I can't figure out how YT creators always post exactly what I need to see on any given day. Doing a light switch tomorrow.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

That is in the next video. How KZbinrs read their audiences minds 😂. Glad it was good timing for you. Thanks for the feedback!

[@dougaltolan3017]

Google knows what you had for breakfast.....

[@dewz440]

As an electrician I've replaced numerous failed switches and receptacles which were installed with the wires being "back stabbed". The internal surface contact on a back stabbed switch/receptacle is minimal compared to using a side wired application.

[@verntoews6937]

Twist your wires together with pliars before installing wire nut Duh Are you safe in all respects?

[@glennunderwood4690]

Yep common sense..tks

[@ImHim6Fifty]

Great info and I love how detailed you get when explaining things. I was messing around as a DIY until i got hit and forced me to learn more about electricity.

[@13DiBartolomeo]

Excellent! Extremely informative. Thank you. Dom

[@dr.stacey7283]

Thanks for the video especially the upgraded switch. Electric repairs scare me since I feel like a mistake could cause a fire, so unless it’s an even swap out, I don’t attempt it. Even when I do attempt it, I’m so overly cautious that I turn off practically every circuit breaker in the house, triple check with a meter, take pictures with my phone to make sure I’m hooking things back up properly and then feeling like fool when it takes 30 seconds to swap a switch out (including putting the plate back on with the screws perfectly aligned) 😂

[@kw6713a]

Nothing wrong with hiring stuff out that you aren't comfortable doing or don't enjoy.

[@richardshellhammer9797]

There is no such thing as too much caution.

[@dr.stacey7283]

@@kw6713a have a little bit of a sense of humor 🙄

[@kw6713a]

@@dr.stacey7283 make better jokes

[@dr.stacey7283]

@@kw6713a it wasn’t a joke it was just something with a little humor; which apparently you have no concept of.

[@zacharywildrick3140]

I discovered your page roughly a week ago upon trying to understand how to do basic household electrical work. I want to say I’ve truly learned something from every single video I’ve watched of yours so far. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I love that you provide the what, how, and why behind every lesson. Very helpful in helping me successfully and safely tackle household projects.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are welcome! Glad you liked it! Thank you so much for the feedback Zachary!

[@dandydonslife9869]

Very helpful usage info, enjoyed watching, thanks.

[@heathernicole3381]

I appreciate Ms. Lori comment. Much like her this video is exactly what I needed as well. Im a DIYer and a woman but I enjoy fixing things around the house or my rentals. There’s nothing wrong with hiring a professional but it’s not always worth it. This video is informative and simple to understand. Thanks! 🙏 ❤

[@BadAppless7]

I have wired alot of switches and I always have to think about where the neutral goes, I then realize it bypasses the switch. Your explanation finally made sense thank you

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are welcome. Thanks a lot for the feedback John!

[@soisaidtogod4248]

LOL, if that has you wondering stop doing electrical work.

[@BadAppless7]

@So Isaidtogod sometimes it helps to encourage someone who is a good teacher. I try to always be positive and let someone know when they are doing a good job. I appreciate your blunt honesty, but my comments were to encourage and also to let those watching the instructional Video with less experience, know even simple tasks can be difficult if not used every day

[@Kualinar]

Those back stab connections where introduced to deal with aluminium wires. Those wires are softer, easier to flatten and expand more when heated than copper. As the contact is made using spring, the aluminium wire expanding and contracting when the temperature change don't cause the wire to flatten and degrade the connection.

[@graemebr]

I'd never heard that. I think the aluminum is not legal here in Canada. Thanks.

[@Kualinar]

@@graemebr Aluminium wires are NO LONGER legal in Canada. They where, and there are still a LOT of houses with aluminium wiring. The owners of houses with existing aluminium wiring are not required to replace those as long as all connection are adequate.

[@graemebr]

. @Kualinar OK. But I would never use aluminum. Thanks for the new info

[@googleuser-one]

Thank you-very detailed and perfect for the amateur on a budget

[@whitebread940]

The clockwise wire tip was huge for me. Thanks!

[@surferdude642]

It would not be uncommon to find a white wire connected to the switch and going to the light or whatever is being switched. In this case the white wire is not a neutral wire, but it's being used as a hot wire (switch leg) in a case where /2 wire cables are used instead of/3, and the power comes into the switched device first, aka a switch loop. The white wire should be marked on both ends with black electrical tape or hs tubing to indicate hot, but it's not always done. This is not allowed anymore in most cases, since a neutral wire must reside in the switch box. A 14/3 or 12/3 between the switch and the light or whatever would be used in a switch loop scenario.

[@JamesMason888]

But yet that same trick with using a 14/2 is still done between a switched outlet and its switch, I can't see how that's still allowed, but maybe it's leftover from older installations. Sure the outlet has a neutral but does the switch box? That depends on what else is in the box... Often there's neutral in there, but not usable by that particular the switch because it's from the wrong circuit. I mean seriously, how hard would it have been to pull 14/3 instead of 14/2?

[@pnnielsen]

I've never stumbled onto the horrible case with two wires around one screw, however I've seen several installations like this where the backstab is used for the second wire. I guess this is not against code, but I sure do prefer using a pigtail. Never use the back stab :) Oh, and the ultimate horror: A receptacle where all 4 screws and all 4 backstabs were used - 8 wires plus ground connected to one lone duplex receptacle. Is this even within code?!?

[@2kostasd]

Hey, thanks for this video - learned a lot, and I think you solved a problem I'm having with lights that just started flickering: will replace the switch and see if it stops!

[@karellbailey18]

Very simple but extremely useful safety tips. Thanks bro!

[@neilmarsh1904]

People may not like back-stabbies, but as you said, they are legal. Making a proper J-hook is a skill and, like any skill, it takes some practice and a DIYer can get rusty between projects. I will submit that a proper back-stab is safer than any improper J-hook. (I side-step the problem and only use commercial grade outlets and switches.)

[@balrog006]

All the brands of spec/commercial grade switches and receptacles I have used still have to have the ground J hooked-although without the insulation it’s a much easier task and only one necessary vs a minimum of 3 usually.

[@monteclark1115]

On the commercial grade switch, it’s still best to make a j hook when using solid wire. The hold down plates are actually to accommodate stranded wire which is commonly used in commercial buildings.

[@kentuckyken6479]

Actually, the mfg says the wire under the plate or back wiring (NOT back stab) is for solid and stranded wire. So therefore, both are code approved. However, the under the screw or J-hook can only be used for solid and not stranded. Another advantage of the under the plate/back wiring is that it is easy to add a additional wires without having to make a pigtail.

[@greense65]

@@kentuckyken6479 Isn't adding additional wires, instead of making a pigtail, one of the things the video says not to do?

[@JohnThomas-lq5qp]

Have been using solid #14, 12, & 10 guage copper solid wires on devices that have the plate for over 50 years and never had trouble. NEC states that you must use a torque driver or torque wrench to properly tightened all electrical screws & bolts.

[@nhbountyhunter]

Came here just for this. I'm not an electrician but I've always back wiring/under the plate. It seems to me not bending wire and not having to think about the direction of the hook saved time and possible mistakes

[@TomCee53]

​@greense65 two wires under a screw is bad. The back wiring either so pressure plate u d usually approved for two wires. Many electricians still prefer pigtails, unless the box is very crowded.

[@ronaldstimphilministries9491]

Great job, man. Very helpful. Thanks.

[@paulc2548]

The video helps me understanding about where the 'white' wires on the light switch should be connecting to.

[@Bonkrr]

One little thing....there most definitely are times when you connect the neutral line to a switch. Obviously, I am referring to those times when the power source is coming into the fixture and not into the switch. You may have skipped that to avoid confusion.

[@bernsfindsandmore7636]

Question I had. I opened up a single light switch and the hot and neutral were connected to switch. Is that correct?

[@marvinostman522]

I could be wrong but I believe that in that instance the white wire is not a neutral. I belive what should happen is at the light fixture the black line wire should hook to the black going to the switch and the white wire of the Romex to the switch would get hooked to the other terminal of the switch but it should be marked by being colored with a black permanent marker or wrapped in black electrical for as much you can reach in the switch box. The white from the switch to the light fixture box should be marked the same as in the switch box. The white of the line Romex at the light fixture gets connected to the neutral of the light socket. I belive whenever possible you should never break your neutral.

[@JTOR1602]

Thanks! Huge help to me in understanding how they work.

[@dukeman079]

I've seen all of the issues you have all the issues you have pointed out, thanks for making this video.

[@joesshows6793]

Pretty sure I made all these mistakes at one point

[@HowToHomeDIY]

If we are all being honest, I think we all have made a few of them at some point or another early on. But we learn from them and always look to improve! Thanks a lot for the feedback!

[@bobhoss6919]

Me too. Been there done that. But have gone back to make the correction right. Stay safe and God bless.

[@rwedel738]

Common mistakes I've made.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I think if most were being honest just about everyone has made some of these mistakes at some point. But what is important is learning about and from them and making ourselves better! Thanks a lot for the honest feedback Ron!

[@PhiNguyen-iu1qh]

Thanks , I love it when I can solves my project watching your videos.

[@JvVargasH]

Doing my first dimmer switch install in my bathroom switch. This was helpful.

[@donkreutel4041]

One thing you could have added. If you ever remove a back stab, NEVER use that switch back stab again. Removing wire damages the internal device that holds wire in.

[@wellardo8833]

Golden rule is to just never use them. Haha

[@tonytigro2687]

Excellent presentation!! Please continue to provide your experience to people like me that try to do this type of work to save some money. Again keep up the good work. God bless!

[@user-bn5ho4zi4n]

Thank you Your humor is awesome

[@davidcobb4527]

Thanks HtH, picked up on two mistakes in your inside box. Great videos. Lots of good info for us nonprofessional types! Appreciate it!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are welcome! Glad you liked it! Thanks a lot for the feedback David!

[@nikkijohnsonmd9019]

This was extremely helpful. Thank you so much!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Kendell062]

My mother broke her basement stairs light switch by hitting it with a basket full of clothes. I saw your tutorial, bought the switch you recommended and followed your directions but the light didn't turn on. But I looked up at the light and I said to myself " I'll change the bulb and see if that helps." It did,and now my mother can use the steps safely. Thanks.

[@mgweir3252]

I appreciate the clear and concise explanations.

[@hypoglosal]

As always a quality top notch video with tons of information. Thank you....

[@AnewmeeFormee]

Thank you so much for these videos. I have learned SO MUCH from your videos

[@frostypig]

Great video! It really helped with my ceiling fan install! Thanks!!

[@MNwineboy]

I appreciate the helpful tips. I am a DIYer and basic and advanced electrical knowledge to keep things safe is always a great idea

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Really glad to hear you liked it! Thanks a lot for the feedback!

[@paulmilovich2982]

So happy I have found Your channel. As I have been watching I have discovered that its a wonder that I haven't burned my house down with some of the DIY work I have done on it. Thanks, awesome content!!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are welcome! Glad you liked it! Thank you so much for the feedback Paul!

[@kathrynhoover9507]

Thank you. Very helpful and clearly explained.

[@scorchedearthdj]

Great video. Thank you for sharing. I've done some low voltage home electronics projects and want to change a light switch to a dimmer in a room. This will help me not to make some mistakes,

[@ibake84]

My exact problem at 3:07. Can't believe they did that. lots of arching suddenly one day. Thanks for this!

[@upnorth1955]

You do a great job of teaching others. I've been watching you for a while and have learned a lot. Thanks

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome. Really glad to hear you have found value in the channel. Thank you very much for taking the time to leave the positive feedback Randy!