Boxed light switch, can I change the switch to a set-in one?

Its set on a brick wall and looks stupid I would like to fit a set-in switch.

What would I need to do?

I wont be messing with the wires apart from changing them to the new switch and yes I will be turning the electric off before I begin.

The wires are burried/chased into the wall.but the switch box stands out like a sore thumb.

Thanks.




Boxed light switch, can I change the switch to a set-in one?
Materials you need:



1x 25mm Deep, 1 Gang Flush Back Box

1x 20mm Open Grommet

2x Red Rawl Plugs

2x 8x1 1/2 Countersunk woodscrews



Tools you need:



1x 5.5mm Masonry bit

1x Pozi/Phillips Screwdriver

1x Lump Hammer

1x Bolster (With Guard? :-) )

1x (Boat) Level



Optional tool you could hire would be a SDS Hammer Drill with Hammer only option http://www.hss.com/g/2141/Chipping-Hamme鈥?/a> and a 1' SDS Chisel for 拢23.50. This would save your wrists and fingers if you are a crap shot as it would replace the hammer and bolster.



You need to remove the surface back box and switch and move the wire as far out of the way as you can. Mark with a pencil the out line of the metal back box. Chase it out so that is roughly 30mm in depth, knock one of the knockouts out on the back box and push the grommet in to protect the cable from the metal of the back box. Push the cable through and put the backbox in the hole mark with a pencil two of the holes, remove the backbox and drill the two holes insert the two red rawl plugs, insert the cable through then the back box, screw the back box to the wall with the woodscrews. Connect the switch. (Brown/red= Comman Blue/Black = L1/ 1 Way) Make sure both colours of the twin and earth are marked up as being red or brown. Screw the switch to the back box and make sure its level. If there is any gaps or visible damage to the wall fill with Decorators Caulk.
Boxed light switch, can I change the switch to a set-in one?
You need a single shallow back box, remove existing switch and box, place back box in position you want it on the wall ensuring the access for the cable is ok, then mark with a pencil around the box, then using hammer and chisel you need to carefully cut out the shape of the box, and the depth, it needs to finish flush with the brick or plaster front, position it in place ensuring wire access and mark the fixing holes, remove box drill and plug holes and fix box in place, connect the switch back onto wires and turn power back on, test and away you go.
I agree with wiz34 above, but just to make the job a fraction easier, why not, using your hammer drill and about a 3/8%26quot; drill bit, drill a series of holes following the pencil line, but inside of the line. Then drill as many holes as you can inside the square, so the now you have a lot of holes which makes it a lot easier to cut out the square with your hammer and 3%26quot; chisle easy.
I assume the brick wall is plastered.

Its a matter of chiseling through the plaster (easy) and about 1/2%26quot; of brickwork (not so easy).

Make sure you buy a narrow fitting back box so you keep your chiseling to a minimum.
http://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/SINKIN鈥?/a>



This should tell you what you need to know. It's gonna be messy though, so good luck