This kitchen switch now has a job. It turns on the new recessed pot light above the sink. I was determined to bring a hot wire up from the basement to the switch. I had already gone into the attic, installed the new pot light and connected the wire from the switch I had found coiled there. The struggle has been to get a wire to go up through the wall. There is a horizontal brace between the studs. So I had an idea this morning before I even got out of bed. I'd bring the wire up from the basement on the outside of the wall. Specifically the door archway. I took off the molding, drilled a hole in the floor to the basement at the base and one through the stud to the switch box. My handy roto-zip tool cut a fine channel for the romex to lie flush in the doorway stud. I cut the hot wire in the basement, installed a junction box, connected the wires and turned the power back on. When I flipped the switch there was light. Yeehaw!!

Project:
Wiring a single pole light switch

Tools and Materials:
Buy a switch rated for the task - in this case 20 amps 120 volts. On/Off
Straight blade screw driver
needle nose pliers

Step-by-Step:
Turn off the power to the light and switch at the circuit breaker panel.
Take the switch plate off.
Remove the two screws holding the switch in the box.
There are two brass screws on the side of the switch - loosen and remove the wires.
Now the old switch can be removed.
When installing the new switch a black wire goes to a brass screw. Two black wires two screws.
The ends of the wire should have a hook formed on them and placed on the screw in a clockwise position.
Tighten the screws firmly against the wire.
Place switch back into the box and fasten the two retaining screws.
I like to turn the power back on at this point to see that there isn't any arching.
Return the switch plate to the switch.