How to Insulate a Switch

The cavity behind an electrical switch in your home may be costing you money. Depending on the wall construction, gaps in the metal box holding the light switch can allow heat to escape in the winter and cold air conditioning to seep out in the summer months. Insulation strips specifically designed for electric switch boxes are available at hardware and home improvement stores. By following basic safety precautions, you can insulate electric switches and save money on your utility bills.

Screwdrivers
Roll of electrical insulation strip
Scissors

Instructions

- 1
  Shut off the circuit breaker, or remove the fuse that controls the circuit for the room where you will insulate the switch.
- 2
  Remove the screws holding the plastic, wood or metal face plate over the switch. Save the hardware to reattach the plate when you're finished.
- 3
  Insert the insulation strip at the base of the metal box below the wall switch, and feed the material into the gap around all four sides of the box. Cut the insulation from the roll, and tuck the end into the wall once you have surrounded the metal box. The insulation should be completely inside the wall cavity, not extending from the wall.
- 4
  Place the cover plate over the switch and reconnect it to the wall with the screws you removed in Step 2.

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