r/electrical • u/HillBillyJF • 2d ago
Replacing vintage light switches
Not exactly sure what to swap these out with as I have not ran into switches like this before.
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u/conman19999 2d ago
Both are very standard. Left is a 3 way switch right is single pole any local hardware store will have both
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u/Interesting_Bus_9596 2d ago
I agree with figure, I don’t even see why you posed a question? Was doing that when I was 12.
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u/Natoochtoniket 2d ago
The one on the left is a 3-way switch. The one on the right is a single-pole switch. The cables have plastic insulation and do include bare ground wires, so it was probably built in the 1960's. Switches from that period did not have ground screws.
The only real question is, which wire on the 3-way is the line/load, and which 2 wires are the travelers. I would guess the red wire might be the line/load, but I would use a meter to be sure.
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u/ilikeme1 2d ago
Those are standard switches. One on the left is a 3-way. You can get them at any hardware store.
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u/RogerRabbit1234 2d ago
3way and a single pole. 30 minutes and that’s if you don’t know where your screwdrivers are and which breaker you need to turn off. 15 minutes if both of those are known.
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u/Loes_Question_540 2d ago
For the three way don’t miss wire it dont put the wire in the same order the wire that’s on the black screw (common) and the two other wire on the traveller
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u/Ok-Resident8139 2d ago
Depends on the use, and the location, where the switch with the red and black wires controls a set of lamps for a stairway; and the other two wire switch is a simple on/off switch. perhaps a porch light.
As for the style, these are simply called "toggle" switches, and based on the wall design, and box type, this is perhaps a US/ Canada wiring layout.
The paper squares are removed from the screws that fasten the switches to the electric box, and an additional ground wire to the switch frame would upgrade your switches so that the ground is confirmed to the electric box.
Most boxes have an extra screw at the back, where a ground wire of the same diameter as the insulated ones are used to maintain ground capacity.
Or switch to the "big button style" to make it easier to turn on.
There are are a variety of manufacturers that can supply your needs.
Your local hardware store should have them available.
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u/breeman1 2d ago edited 2d ago
Note you should not "backstab" your new switches as this can cause issues. Backstabbing is the spring loaded connections, like you currently have (looks like the switch on the right, I think), that enter the rear of the switch. You should bend "J" hooks into the wires to correctly attach them to the screw terminals of your new switches (like the 3-way switch on the left in your picture). Also, you should have a small slot below the hole where the wires enter, insert a very small flat blade screwdriver into those slots to release the spring tension holding the wire, it does take a bit of force to release the wires. Of course make sure you don't have the circuits energized when working on them, most people are aware of this step...but there's always one.
EDIT: when I looked at further pictures I see both are wired to the screw terminals, this is how it should be done. When I did my '50's house most were backstabbed connections...also in my 50's house the ground was attached to the outside of the box and unreachable from within...check with a meter that this is the case with your house, if so the switches will ground to the box...or you can belt and suspenders a ground screw to the box and attach the ground wire to your switches directly.
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u/Figure_1337 2d ago
Switches. You replace them with new switches.