How to Install a CO/ALR Grounding Quiet Switch

A switch marked CO/ALR is suitable for use with aluminum and copper wires. In 1972, manufacturers and Underwriting Laboratories (UL) came up with a standard for wire connections. Devices that meet this standard are stamped with CO/ALR. The concern is how reliable the wire connections are. If an electrical connection comes loose, it creates an electrical short which leads to electrical shock and possibly a home fire. Wiring a CO/ALR switch is similar to any switch except the connections are pushed together rather than fastened under a screw.

Non-contact voltage detector
Wire strippers
Screwdriver
Twist-on connectors
Pliers

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off the power for the circuit you are working on at the home's electrical distribution panel. Double-check the power is off by touching a non-contact voltage detector to the wire's insulation.
- 2
  Strip 3/8 inches of insulation off the black, white and green or bare wire coming from the distribution panel and going to the light.
- 3
  Twist together the two white wires with pliers and install a twist-on wire connector on top.
- 4
  Loosen the grounding terminal in the back of the electrical box. Wrap the green or bare wire, going to the light, around this terminal and tighten it down.
- 5
  Push the two black wires into the switch's hot terminals on the back of the switch. The wires should push in all the way so there is no bare wire exposed.
- 6
  Push the green or bare wire from distribution panel in the ground terminal on the back of the switch.
- 7
  Push the wires into the electrical box. Fasten the switch to the box with the two screws provided and install the switch cover on the switch.

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