I asked my landlord to change my light switch while I was away. When I got back, I noticed the top side was installed facing downward. Is there any way I can safely fix this myself? My landlord lives two hours away and I don’t think he will come back just to fix this in the next 15 days. The switch works perfectly, but it’s upside down. Any advice on how I can handle this would be really helpful.
If you know which breaker cuts power to the switch, turn off that breaker, pop off the switch cover (may need to gently pry with a flat screwdriver or butter knife), unscrew the switch, then see if the switch can be gently rotated 180 degrees with the given wire slack. Put everything back. Or just wait for your landlord. None of the above is difficult but if you break something it’s on you…
(1) Turn off the breaker. (2) Pop off the switch plate. (3) Unscrew the switch (2 Phillips screws, 1 top and 1 bottom). (4) Flip it around (either clockwise or counterclockwise). (5) Screw the switch back in. (6) Pop the faceplate back on. (7) Turn on the breaker. (8) Ensure connectivity with your wireless network.
@Jesse
You forgot step (0); Tell the breaker you are a woman.
May I ask why you mentioned your gender?
zacky said:
May I ask why you mentioned your gender?
I’m not sure what gender has to do with this? If a person, regardless of gender, doesn’t have any experience working with electrical implements, this kind of question is more than reasonable.
zacky said:
May I ask why you mentioned your gender?
I mentioned it because I don’t know anything about this kind of repair. I thought it might help get explanations that assume no prior experience.
zacky said:
May I ask why you mentioned your gender?
Perhaps because historically, fewer women have been exposed to or trained in certain technical tasks? It’s about setting context, not capability.
@Jeremy
Exactly, thank you!
@Jeremy
Could you clarify what statistics you’re referencing? Skills are learned, not inherent to any gender.
Donna said:
@Jeremy
Could you clarify what statistics you’re referencing? Skills are learned, not inherent to any gender.
It’s not about capability but rather exposure and societal roles that have historically been assigned. My point is about trends, not absolutes.
@Jeremy
Well, I’m a woman and electrical work is my favorite. I can handle it all.
Leonard said:
@Jeremy
Well, I’m a woman and electrical work is my favorite. I can handle it all.
That’s great to hear! It’s always good to challenge stereotypes.
@Jeremy
I still think it’s important to question these ‘trends’ and consider how they evolve over time.
@Jeremy
With an attitude like yours they sure aren’t. OP clarified because she believes the same outdated stereotype folks like yourself refuse to let go. Anyone can do anything. Have a good week 
Edits: a word
@zacky
I’m simply discussing trends, not personal capabilities or rights.
Jeremy said:
@zacky
I’m simply discussing trends, not personal capabilities or rights.
I hope one day we can see beyond these outdated trends and recognize people’s capabilities without stereotypes.
@zacky
It’s true that women are statistically less likely to be taught these skills due to societal norms, not because they are incapable. It’s a nuance worth noting.
Turn off the breaker so there is no power going to the switch. Test switch to make sure it has no power. Pop off the surrounding plate. Use a screwdriver (probably Phillips head) to remove the 2 screws holding the switch in place. Take the switch out and flip it over and screw back in. Turn on breaker and test to make sure the switch is working. Put plate back on.
I didn’t get why there’s drama about me saying that I am a woman? I don’t understand anything about electricity & wires, I just said that, then maybe you guys would explain it in an easier way. That’s all. I’ve never done this, and my dad used to handle it for me.