K
Replacing lightswitches.
- Thread starter pineapple
- Start date
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Go away.
And the technical/engineering explanation for why installation work done by unqualified and semi-competent amateurs does not require the same safety related rigour as that done by qualified and fully competent professionals is what, exactly?
I'm not saying that DIY should not be done safely, however I am realistic in the fact that I am fully aware people are going to change/add switches/sockets without testing EFLI/Zs/Ze etc. It's just never gonna happen
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K
knowall
So why encourage ? You cannot possibly know the competence and practical skills of the person? Who is about to undertake electrical work based on your information and interpretation of the situation.
KA
K
knowall
M 
Let’s see if I can say something useful…
Firstly, if your consumer unit does not have RCD protection then get the consumer unit replaced.
If you think the consumer unit is OK, get an electrician in to do a safety report on the system, this should take at least half a day. (Unless you have a copy of a recent report saying the system is OK)
Just taking a photo of the old switch may not be enough if there are many wires that look the same, so consider labelling them as well.
Don’t assume that by turning off one circuit all connections into a switch will be dead, there may be more than one circuit on a double switch, also wires are often mixed up on light systems.
Firstly, if your consumer unit does not have RCD protection then get the consumer unit replaced.
If you think the consumer unit is OK, get an electrician in to do a safety report on the system, this should take at least half a day. (Unless you have a copy of a recent report saying the system is OK)
Just taking a photo of the old switch may not be enough if there are many wires that look the same, so consider labelling them as well.
Don’t assume that by turning off one circuit all connections into a switch will be dead, there may be more than one circuit on a double switch, also wires are often mixed up on light systems.
This thread is descending into chaos. It's now into three pages for what has been described as a really simple job. Could we please keep this thread for helping the OP with his question and maybe start a new thread to beat up KFA?
I know I'm not the OP but I've thanked you because out of all the internet egos and negative posts, you've been positive and given sound advice.
I know it happens on all forums and partly its the nature of the internet but some posters on the Electrics sub-forum (it seems to be just the electrics, thankfully) really do come across badly. I'd advise all posters to type something out, then scrub it out, then think over what they're about to say for 5-10 minutes. Or, ask themselves if their mum would be happy reading the responses they post on here.
K
knowall
knowall";p="2969665 said:Easy- call an electrician, who has the approprate test kit.There you go !
The OP is a 'novice' by his own addmission, why would I advise anything other than get professional assistance.
KA
You are obviously a sensible person who knows there limitations.
Kind regards,
KA
Wow - I didn't mean to start WW3!
Looking at the discussion on here I think an electrician might be the best bet
I think the problem is that you ask a simple question about doing a simple task. However the task is only simple and safe if the complete installation is already in a good state. However there is no simple way for you to know what state the installation is in.
If when you get the system checked out there are no earths to the switches, one option is to use Piano Black Flat Plate Light Switches as they look modern but are not metal. Also some of the screw less light switches may be double insulated; your electrician will know how to find out.
(If only double insulated light switches were more common…)
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