Tools and Materials Needed

Insulated Screwdriver, Voltage Tester, Light Switch.

Turn off the Power

Firstly, you need to locate your mains electric box and turn off the power to your lighting circuit. Turn a couple of lights on before you switch off the circuit and when these go off you will know you have the right switch. In two storey buildings, there are usually two lighting circuits – an upstairs and downstairs circuit. Make sure you have switched off the right one. If you are not sure then switch them both off.

Remove Light Switch Panel

Use a screwdriver to remove the screws from the light switch panel. If this has been there for a while and has had a number of paint layers around it, you may want to score around the edges, with a Stanley blade, to prevent pulling paint away from the rest of the wall.

Test for Voltage

Remove the light switch from the wall carefully as the cables are connected at the back. Use your voltage tester to double check that the circuit is not live. (See manufacturer’s instruction on how to safely use your voltage tester)

Removing the Cables

Use a screwdriver to loosen one of the clamp connections and pull the cable out. Take note of the connection symbol before removing (L1, L2, common etc.)

Reconnect the Cables to the New Switch

Leaving the other cable attached to the old switch, take the cable that you just removed and connect it into its relevant clamp on the back of the new switch. Replacing one cable at a time reduces the risk of error. Repeat this for the other cable(s), one at a time.

Replace the Light Switch Panel

Screw your light switch panel back into place. Turn the mains power back on to test your new switch. If it does not work, you will need to turn the mains power back off and check all of your connections.

Pages: 1 All

How to change a light switch - Reviews

How to Reviews - Log in here to add a review

Be the first to add a review for this how to!

Learn how to do electrical work with Tommy’s trade secrets with a few simple steps along with watching a video to show you how. When learning how to do electrical always remember to use the right tools and equipment as doing so will only make the job in hand fare easier. Even if your use to carrying out electrical work and you’ve already carried out a task of this sort before you’re sure to find some helpful tips with Tommy’s trade secrets. Watch the video read the step by step guide and buy the tools and materials that you need to make sure that when you’re carrying out electrical work it all goes to plan.