How to Disconnect a Cooktop Switch

Turn off power to the cooktop at the circuit breaker. If you are working on a gas cooktop, close the knob in the gas line connected to the underside of the cooktop.

Extract the screws below the front edge of the counter or inside the cabinets of a kitchen island where each screw attaches to the underside of the cooktop.

Push the cooktop upwards from below while wearing work gloves to protect your hands from the sharp edges.

Grab the front edge of the cooktop and raise high enough to hold it upright with the wooden dowel between the counter and the underside of the appliance. Each switch is directly below its corresponding control knob on the cooktop surface.

Grip the clip on the end of each of the two wires attached to the switch, using the needle-nose pliers. Pull the wires off the contact blades to disconnect the switch.