How to Convert a Three-Way Switch to a Single Pole

Three-way switches provide two locations to control a light. They are commonly used for safety purposes on stairwells. This allows the stair's lighting to be turned on and off from both the bottom and top of the stairs. Before you remove one of the switches, think about the safety considerations of such a modification. This may also become a problem when selling the house, because a single-switch stairwell shouldn't pass a building inspection. Making this modification is a simple process done with a few common tools.

Non-contact voltage detector
Twist-on wire connectors
Wire cutters
Solid face plate

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off the power for the circuit you are working on at the home's distribution panel. Confirm the power is off by touching a non-contact voltage detector to the wire's insulation.
- 2
  Unscrew the faceplate for the switch you want to remove, and set the faceplate aside.
- 3
  Loosen the two screws securing the switch to the electrical box, and pull the switch from the box.
- 4
  Loosen the two right terminals on the switch, and remove the wires. Twist the two wires together with pliers, and install a twist-on wire connecter.
- 5
  Loosen the top-left terminal, and pull the wire from the switch. Cut the wire at the insulation, so that no bare wire is showing. Install a twist on wire-connector on the end.
- 6
  Push the wires into the electrical box, and secure the solid face plate on the box with the screws provided.

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