How to Add an Indicator Light to a Switch
- 1). Remove the faceplate from the switch, being careful not to touch any of the wires or terminals behind the plate.
- 2). Use a test light or multimeter to identify the switched hot wire connected to the switch. The switched hot wire is the wire that only has voltage present when the switch is in the “On” position. Note the location of the switched hot wire. Disconnect the power to the switch circuit at the breaker panel or fuse box.
- 3). Use a drill with an appropriately sized bit to make a hole in the faceplate for the indicator light. Remove the mounting nut from the back of the indicator light. Slide the wire leads and threaded body of the indicator light through the hole, and then slide the nut over the leads and onto the body of the light. Turn the nut clockwise until the light is firmly attached to the faceplate.
- 4). Remove the screws holding the switch in the gang box. Pull the switch and connected wires out of the box far enough to access the screw terminals on the switch.
- 5). Loosen the terminal screw that the switched hot wire connects to. Cut a length of wire 3 inches long. Strip 1/2 inch of insulation from both ends of the wire. Wrap one end of the wire around the terminal that the switched hot wire was connected to on the switch. Tighten the terminal screw.
- 6). Use a wire nut to connect the other end of the wire to the positive lead of the indicator light.
- 7). Remove the wire nut connecting the white neutral wires together in the gang box. Twist the negative lead from the indicator light together with the neutral wires. Place a wire nut on the wires and twist it clockwise until it’s tight.
- 8). Tuck the wiring and switch into the gang box. Install and tighten the retaining screws. Place the faceplate on the switch and fasten it using the original screws.
