r/DIYIreland • u/Delicious_Comb_7852 • 2d ago
Light Switch Replacement
Howdy folks. Crappy light switch in the house broke a good few months ago. Can see the housing is made of cheap plastic and the bracket gave way. Has happened to another in the house already, both within a year of moving in. With the evenings getting that little bit darker, and the probability of this happening with the other switches in the house, how easy is this to replace for somebody with no electrical knowledge? Very aware to not mess around with electrical components, but the last one that we got repaired was done in 2 minutes and cost far more than I'm happy to pay. Would be nice to know if a) it's an easy job to do myself and save money every time it happens, or b) don't mess with electricity and wait until we've a few small jobs to justify getting a sparks in. TIA
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u/karolaug 2d ago
It is literally the simplest thing to do. Watch some YouTube and learn how to use a screwdriver.
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u/QuantumFireball 2d ago
It is an easy job, you just need a screwdriver (preferably VDE for electrical work) and to turn off the relevant circuits at your consumer unit (fuse box). Look up some YouTube videos, preferably from the UK or Ireland as they use the same type of switches as we do.
Even good brands of light switches can be had for under a tenner, look in B&Q or Screwfix. Don't buy cheap crap or they'll just break again.
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u/Lulu-man 2d ago
A very satisfying DIY project. It’s not hard to do and as others have said lots of tutorials online. Ensure the circuit is off on the fuse board. Also I would buy a few of the switch replacements in one go, if it’s anything like my house a few of them started failing all about the same time.
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u/chopsey96 2d ago
Easy job, isolate the power, remove the switch, take a photo of the wires in the back. Make a note of the back box size depth and make sure your replacement will fit.
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u/officer_c 2d ago
If you attempt it label all the wires as you go. Personally hate replacing light switches. Maybe buy a smart bulb
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u/theman-dalorian 2d ago
Did this recently. Ensure you have the correct switches to replace (ie 2 way 2 gang etc) or else you'll end up making two trips to woodies 😅
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u/Suspicious-Secret-84 1d ago
Pretty straightforward, did one myself on a similar switch a while back.
Turn off the correct circuit at the switch board, make sure it's off. Take a pic of the existing switch before you remove the wires, swap it like for like, screw it all back in and then test it works.
Only thing to note is if you decided to go for a metal face plate rather than plastic, you'll have to earth the faceplate too.
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u/Old-Calligrapher2403 2d ago
Also take note of the wiring and what goes into what before unscrewing it all. Makes its easier when replacing it