How To Install an Antique Light Switch

Homeowners who want to upgrade their home’s light switches to something more visually appealing should consider installing antique models. Antique light switches pair old world charm with modern convenience so you can get the best of both worlds when handling your home’s lighting system. Read our guide below for tips on how to replace a run-of-the-mill light switch with an antique push-button switch. 

How Push-Button Switches Work

Invented in the 1880s, early switches used rotary or push-button actuators that produced a loud snap when turned or pushed. Push-button switches were typically adorned with a brass wall-plate and are still found in turn-of-the-century houses. As This Old House Magazine noted, “the basic mechanics of a light switch have changed little in a hundred years.”

Push-button switches contain two separate internal metal tabs. Pressing the “on” button connects the tabs, and allows electricity to flow. Pressing the “off” button separates the tabs and breaks the circuit.

This type of light switch creates a characteristic clicking sound when you operate it, which many homeowners find charming and nostalgic. Modern adaptations of this antique model offer the same ornamental appeal without sacrificing contemporary ease. 

Preparing for Light Switch Installation

Gather the tools and materials below as you prepare for installation.

Tools and Materials Needed

• Antique-style dimmer switch
• Antique-style push-button switch
• Decorative cover plate
• Electrical tape
• Multi-bit screwdriver
• Voltage tester
• Wire nuts

Safety Precautions

Keep the following safety tips in mind whenever you work with electricity:

• Never work on live circuits.
• Turn off power to the circuit at the breaker box before you start working.
• Use a voltage tester to confirm the power is off.
• Wear insulated gloves when you’re handling wires.

Removing the Old Light Switch

The first step in installing your new antique-style switch is removing the existing setup. Follow the steps below to do this safely and efficiently. 

1. Confirm you’ve turned off power to the circuit, then remove switch cover plate screws using a flathead screwdriver. 
2. Remove the switch mounting screws.
3. Gently pull the switch away from the wall, which exposes the wires.
4. Loosen the terminal screws and disconnect the wires.
5. Record the wire positions so you can properly reconnect them later.

Handling Wiring

Wiring can be complex, so take photos or make notes of which wire goes where to simplify reinstallation. Misidentifying wires can lead to malfunctions or safety hazards.

Watch for Three-Way Wiring: If your antique switch is replacing a standard single-pole switch, the wiring should be straightforward — just two screws and a ground. But as This Old House electrician Heath explains, things get more complex with three-way switches: “Instead of just having the two screws, we have the two brass screws and an identified screw, and that can throw you off a little bit when you have different wiring configurations.” If you discover three or more wires connected to your old switch (beyond the ground), you may be dealing with a three-way setup and should proceed with extra caution.

Installing the Antique Light Switch

Once you’ve removed the old switch, you can install the new antique-style switch. Follow these steps:

1. Identify the wires. You’ll usually have a black, or hot, wire; a white, or neutral, wire; and a green, or ground, wire.  
2. Wrap the ground wire around the ground screw and tighten it with the screwdriver’s Phillips head.
3. If you’re handling reproduction switches, insert red and black wires directly into the receptacle and tighten the side screws using the screwdriver’s flathead.  
4. Gently fold the wires back into the electrical box.
5. Secure the switch to the box using mounting screws.
6. Attach the decorative cover plate.

Be very careful to not damage any delicate push-button switches that feature mother-of-pearl inlays.

Wiring Note: When connecting wires to an antique-style switch, pay attention to the connection method. With some reproduction switches, the screw actually acts as an internal clamp — instead of wrapping the wire around the screw as you normally would, the wire slides into the receptacle and the clamp holds it securely inside. For toggle-style connections, wrap the hook around the screw clockwise, then pinch it together to create a nice closed loop so that when you tighten the screw, it draws the wire together and keeps it snug.

Installing a Dimmer Switch

Follow the steps below if you’re installing a dimmer switch:

1. Connect the ground wire as usual.
2. Connect the dimmer’s red wire to the wire that leads to the light fixture.
3. Attach the dimmer’s black wire to the circuit’s hot wire.
4. Use wire nuts to secure these connections.
5. Tuck the wires carefully into the box and mount the switch.

Testing for Functionality

Turn the power back on at the breaker box and test the switch. Make sure the lights turn on and off normally. If you installed a dimmer, make sure it adjusts light levels smoothly. If you encounter any issues, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions, or call a licensed electrician for help.

Troubleshooting Common Lightswitch Issues

Even seasoned do-it-yourself enthusiasts may encounter some issues during installation. Read up on common problems and their respective solutions below.

• Dimmer buzzes: Buzzing may indicate that the system is incompatible with LED bulbs. Try using dimmable LEDs or traditional incandescent bulbs.
• Dimmer switch appears backwards: Remove the plate and determine whether you need to turn it.
• Switch doesn’t work: Investigate each wire connection, and make sure the circuit breaker is on.
• Switch feels loose: Tighten the mounting screws and make sure you’ve properly secured the electrical box.

Consulting an Electrician

Consult a licensed electrician if you’re unsure about any part of the installation. Electrical work involves risks, and a professional can make sure everything is safe and up to code.

Pro Tip: A common mistake when installing a dimmer on a three-way circuit is using the wrong type of switch. As Heath, a This Old House electrician, explains: “A lot of times what they’ll do is they’ll get a single-pole dimmer. So it only has the two screws, not the three that we need. When they do that, they’re only attaching two and not connecting anything to the other runner. So when you put the switch in one position, it’ll work. When you turn it off…it’s not going to do anything for you.” If your switch only works from one location in a three-way setup, check that you’ve used a three-way-compatible dimmer and connected all three terminals.

Maintaining Your Antique Light Switch

Maintain your antique-style switch with the following techniques: 

• Check for loose connections or signs of wear occasionally.
• Clean the switch and plate regularly with a soft, dry cloth, but avoid using harsh chemicals.
• Consider adding complementary details to the room, such as period-appropriate light fixtures, hardware, and other decor.
• Hire an electrician to perform a safety inspection every few years.