Is it easy to change a light switch?

I've seen some chrome ones I would like and was wondering if I can fit them myself or if I need an electrician to do it?
Is it easy to change a light switch?
Before you start, you wouldn't believe the number of people who get it wrong, so note exactly which wire goes where on the old switch.



When you buy your switch, buy one with the same number of terminals as the old one. The old one will have two, three, or four terminals. If a terminal isn't used, then discount it. A two terminal switch is called a One-Way switch. A three terminal switch is called a Two-Way switch. A four terminal switch is either a Double-Pole or Intermediate switch, but these are less common.



When you have determined which switch you need and have bought it, you may find that the old terminals have different names to the new one. Some terminals are labelled C, L1, L2. Sometimes it's COM, L1, L2. Or L1, L2, L3. Don't worry too much about this - just wire the terminals in the same order C, COM, or L1 first, then L1 or L2, then L2, or L3. It makes more sense if you look at the terminals in a triangle, with C, COM or L1 at the top.



With chrome light switches, you need to pay attention to the earth connection. If there is a metal back box, you should already have an earth wire (the bare conductor with green and yellow sleeving) connected to a terminal on the back box. There may be more than one. You need to connect a flying lead from this terminal to the earth terminal on the new switch. If you have a plastic back box, then there should be a loose earth wire (or wires) which you need to connect to the earth terminal on the new switch.
Is it easy to change a light switch?
Yes, if you have a practical mind you can basically take off the old switch and place the wires into the new holes as was. Earth(yellow and green) to earth terminal, Positive (either red or brown ) to positive terminal and neutral (blue or black) to the negative terminal.



REMEMBER TO ISOLATE THE ELECTRICITY FIRST!!!!



I think it is currently UK law that a qualified electrician has to carry out any electrical work. However if it is your house then you can take responsibility.

The thing to check before buying a new switch is what kind of lighting circuit is running. For example if the light in question can be turned off by more than one switch then you need a two (or more) way switch or is it a dimmer switch, does the switch have more than one switch on it?

The best thing to do really is call an electrician, it is a simple job and should cost little more than a call out fee.
it is very easy to change a light switch if you are a practical person, you should even get a wiring diagram with new switch just follow that and remember to isolate the power first. all you need is a small electrical screwdriver
The law allows you change a light switch, but you must know what sort of switch you are dealing with.



Most switches are %26quot;one way%26quot;. This means that the switch is the only one in the circuit. It will have two terminals.



If you have a light that can be operated from either of two switches (eg a landing light) then the switches will be %26quot;two way%26quot;. It will have three terminals.



Somebody mentioned single-pole and double-pole switches. If you have a bog standard domestic property then the internal light switches will all be single-pole, so don't worry about it.



When you buy your new switch remember that you can use a two-way switch on a one-way circuit (one of the terminals is not used); but you cannot use a one-way switch on a two-way circuit (not enough terminals).



Remove the lighting circuit fuse, (or operate the circuit breaker if you have a newer Consumer Unit).



Note down which wire goes to what terminal on the old switch before you disconnect them. The labels will probably be faintly moulded on the back-plate and will be something like L1, L2, C or Common. The wires will be black and red (old wiring) or blue and brown (house built in last 3 years); green/yellow is always earth and must be connected to the terminal block in the mounting box.



Connect the wires to the new switch and fit it into the box. It should have TOP moulded on it somewhere so make sure that this is correctly orientated. If the switch operates upside down from the others in the house then you must reverse the black and red wires. An upside down switch could be dangerous for someone in the future.