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I'm desperately looking for a bit of advice. I want to replace 2 old switches, and I don't know what kind of modern switches I have to use and how to properly wire them? Could you please help? There are 6 wires in the box, 2 red, 2 black, 2 white. The black wires are joined together, red wires are connected to two opposite sides of the switches (please see the pics)

sidepicthe wires

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  • I believe that in this case the cheapest standard switch you can find will work (like $1-$2 ea) and you wire them exactly the same, it's a like-kind replacement. I would like someone else on here to either confirm or improve on that before you take it as gospel
    – Ack
    Commented Mar 25, 2020 at 2:58
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    @Ack -- I'd use spec-grade lightswitches (a few $ more), but otherwise, you're right
    – ThreePhaseEel
    Commented Mar 25, 2020 at 3:56
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    Congratulations to you for taking a picture before you disconnected everything, and then ask how to put it back together. +
    – JACK
    Commented Mar 25, 2020 at 13:05
  • @Ack is right, pretty much a like for like replacement. In addition to what he said, you need to remove the tape on the black and white wires and connect them with a wire nuts. You'll probably need a longer piece of black wire to do it correctly. You're asking for trouble with those taped connections. Ack should type this up as an answer.
    – JACK
    Commented Mar 25, 2020 at 13:18

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You have 2 each single pole switches the black wire that connects to both switches is the hot wire (turn the breaker off before replacing) any standard single pole switch will work, you can get simple toggles like you have or the fancier decora but a new cover plate will be needed with the decora (a double gang 2 device cover plate)

Each switch has 2 screws for the conductors change them out so they match the existing red on one side black on the other. If your new switches have both terminals on one side it’s ok put the blacks on the top and reds on the bottom you may need a longer jumper for the black but that’s all,

Newer switches will have a green ground screw on the yoke or metal strap, you don’t have a ground wire so that won’t be used, the metal screws to the box will ground the switch if the box is grounded through conduit or if no ground it will be the same as most homes pre ~1960. After installing the new switches turn the breaker on and see that you did it.

I would use wire nuts on the splices that’s are there but if you find them wrapped and soldered tape may be easier.

On metal boxes I like to cover the terminals with a wrap or 2 of tape around the body of the switch, this keeps the heads from touching if something loosens up. Tape is not required and not all electricians do this but on metal boxes with minimal clearance I think it is a good idea.

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    OP: The red wire is the 'runner', which carries the 'hot' black wire (inner two screws in your lower picture) to the fixtures. Terms you can remember for the next time you need it.
    – J.Hirsch
    Commented Mar 25, 2020 at 16:06
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Standard single switch will work.

Most modern switches have three screws (two hot wires with ground) or four (three hot wires with ground). The one with four screws is the one that you DO NOT want to replace it with. Find a switch with three connectors on it.

Based on your photo, they share the incoming electricity but are connected to separate lights. You can wire in your new switches in the same manner. Since you have a metal box, you can just tighten the green screw on the new switches. The switch connected to the metal box will serve as the ground.

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