how do I replace the light switch in bathroom?

[jsutme]

I want to replace the paddle light switch in bathroom however there are a lot of wires going into the light switch.
multiple white, black wires going into the back of the switch.

should I use a wago to pig tie these to make it easier and use a j hook to screw to side terminals?

[machinist]

If the switch has a bunch of wires going into the back, it’s probably acting as a splice point too. One easy way to handle this is to use Wago connectors to group the same-colored wires together, like all the black wires in one Wago and all the white wires in another. Then you can run a short piece of wire from the Wago connector to the side screw on the new switch.

Just make sure to turn off the power at the breaker before touching anything. Also, if there are more than two black wires, it could be part of a 3-way setup or controlling more than one thing. In that case, take a clear picture before disconnecting anything and label the wires if needed.

Using Wagos with short wires like this is a neat and safe way to make the connections, and it makes future work easier too.

[jsutme]

how do I know if I should use a 3 pole or single pole switch?

[machinist]

If there’s only one switch that controls your bathroom light, then you just need a regular single-pole switch. But if the same light can be turned on and off from two different places, like one switch inside the bathroom and another outside, then you’ll need a 3-way switch.

To tell the difference, take a look at the switch. A single-pole switch usually has two screw terminals plus a ground wire. A 3-way switch has three screw terminals plus ground, and you’ll often see a red wire connected to it. That red wire is usually called a "traveler" wire. It works together with the black and sometimes white wires to let both switches control the same light.

So if you see a red wire connected to the switch, or the switch has three screws (not counting the ground), that’s a sign it might be part of a 3-way setup. If you're not sure, feel free to share more details or a photo.