To change the switch in an apartment or office, you can not understand the wiring at all, and do not know where the phase or zero is. The main thing is to understand the principle of operation and the device of such devices, observe safety precautions and familiarize yourself with the rules for dismantling and installing these elements.
[ Hide ]
What you need to know when replacing a switch?
When replacing the switch with your own hands, you need to know that:
- The voltage in the electrical network is dangerous to humans, therefore, it is impossible to touch bare, non-de-energized wires with bare hands.
- Before starting work, it is necessary to study the instructions for each specific model.
- For those who are replacing electrical appliances themselves for the first time, it is better to take photographs of key points. Even a slight deviation from the algorithm can lead to unpleasant results, such as damage to lighting fixtures or wiring due to a short circuit.
Types of switches
Switches differ from each other in:
- method of fastening to the wall;
- the number of keys;
- design features;
- type of connectors for connecting electrical wires;
- inclusion principle.
Devices can be produced in the usual version or protected from moisture penetration. The latter are designed for use in bathrooms or outdoors.
According to the method of fastening
According to the mounting method, the switches are divided into:
- Devices of internal type. They are installed in special recesses in the walls, often in conjunction with socket boxes made of metal or plastic. This is the most common type of device used in apartments of multi-storey buildings.
- Outdoor. They are used in combination with open wiring and are mounted directly on the wall.
By number of keys
Modern manufacturers offer switches with one, two or three keys.
By design
Depending on the purpose and design features, switches are:
- keyboards;
- push-button;
- rotary (sliding).
The design of a simple switch with one key: 1 - a key with which the mechanism is activated; 2 - decorative frame; 3 - the working part, which contains the electrical mechanism
According to the design of the terminals for fastening the ends of the wiring
Modern switches use two types of terminals for fixing electrical wires:
- Screw. Connections where clamping is carried out with screws weaken over time, which leads to an increase in temperature at the point of contact and burnout of the cable. They should be inspected at least once every 2-3 years and tightened.
- Spring. Such terminals are more durable and provide reliable contact throughout the entire period of operation.
On the principle of inclusion
Modern switches according to the switching principle are:
- mechanical - elementary keyboard devices, easy to install and use (the function of a key can be performed by a lever, toggle switch, button, cord, rotary knob);
- electronic touch, actuated by the touch of a hand;
- with remote control, equipped with a remote control or motion sensor.
Photo gallery
The scheme of dismantling the old switch
In some cases, the sequence will be reversed - you can disconnect the wires only after the switch is removed. It depends on the design features of the device.
The dismantling of the external switch is carried out in a similar manner. The only difference is that instead of loosening the screws of the spacer legs, screws are unscrewed here, with which the device is attached to the wall.
Video instructions for dismantling the old switch can be viewed on the channel “Guys from the Stone. Do-it-yourself apartment renovation.
We are preparing to connect
Before connecting a new device, the following preparations must be made:
- Loosen the screw terminals so that the wires fit easily into the hole.
- Unscrew the screws of the spacer tabs so that the switch fits freely into the socket (for outdoor devices, this operation is not required).
- Strip the wires when replacing them (if the condition of the old electrical cable is good, it is not necessary to strip it).
Diagram and connection with one button
After everything is prepared, you can mount the breaker with one key, following the detailed algorithm:
- Examine the markings on the terminals of the single-gang switch. The phase wire must be connected to terminal L, the other end of the cable to connector 1, respectively.
- Insert the bare wires into the contact holes and tighten the terminal screws. Do not apply too much force, otherwise you can break the thread.
- Install the switch in the socket strictly horizontally without distortions.
- Fix the device with sliding legs by tightening the screws.
- Check the correct operation of the lighting devices by turning on the machine on the electrical panel.
- If the switch works correctly, install the cover and keys.
Diagram and connection with two buttons
Algorithm for installing a switch with two keys:
- Connect the phase wire to terminal L, the remaining two ends to connectors 1 and 2 in accordance with the marking.
- Tighten the fastened screws (this operation is not required on spring-loaded terminals).
- Place the switch in the socket.
- Tighten the screws of the sliding legs, eliminating even the smallest gaps.
- Verify that the device is working properly by applying power.
- Install cover and both keys.
Step-by-step instructions for installing a two-gang switch are given in the photo gallery:
A professional electrician registered on YouDo will perform a high-quality and inexpensive replacement of a light switch in an apartment, the price and other conditions of cooperation are determined individually. Order a private electrician to carry out electrical work at a price lower than in specialized companies in Moscow.
Departure of the master is possible in any point of Moscow and the Moscow region. A free call to a specialist can be made at a time convenient for you - applications on the YouDo website are accepted 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
When should electrical installations be changed?
You can urgently order the replacement of switches and sockets in apartments, private houses or offices in Moscow from contractors registered in Yuda. A professional electrician will come to the specified address immediately to change faulty triple circuit breakers and sockets, as well as perform additional work related to electricity. You need to call an electrician to repair switches if:
- soot appeared around the rim of the triple light switch
- switches no longer work
- light switch rims do not fit snugly against the wall
- when the light switch is turned on, the RCD is triggered
When repairing triple switches, Yudu performers diagnose the equipment connection scheme, wiring devices. If a malfunction is detected, the masters quickly eliminate it.
Types of electrical installation equipment in the apartment
Triple light switches installed in apartments in Moscow and the Moscow region are conditionally divided into several types. They can be automatic, screw, screwless. Professional electricians registered on YouDo can change any type of triple switch, regardless of the connection scheme, including:
- keyboards
- push-button
- dimmers
- rope
- remote
- sensory
- rotary
Key switches are considered the most common. Their installation, repair and dismantling does not take much time if the work is done by experienced craftsmen registered in Yuda.
Additional electrician services
Electricians registered in Yuda carry out professional replacement of switches - the price and other terms of cooperation are discussed privately. You can find out how much it costs to install switches in an apartment from the price list on the website. In addition to installing, dismantling and repairing switches, YouDo can order additional services, including:
- wiring repair
- installation of branches in electrical circuits
- installation, disconnection and repair of lighting fixtures
- cable laying, installation of junction boxes
- dismantling of junction boxes
- installation and disconnection of the RCD
- RCD repair
- telephone cable routing
Specialists registered in Yuda perform all types of work related to electricity. If you need to install electrical equipment, electrical installation devices, troubleshoot electrical wiring, order the services of Yudu performers. Masters provide high quality of work performed, affordable cost and favorable conditions for cooperation.
How much does electrical equipment repair cost?
Specialists registered on YouDo can urgently install automatic electrical appliances and sockets with a visit to any address in Moscow. Departure of the master is free. For a service such as replacing a light switch in an apartment, the price can vary from 100 r and above, depending on the following factors:
- the complexity of the connection scheme
- switch type
- cost of a new device
- cost of consumables
- urgency of departure
Approximate prices for electrician services are indicated in the price list on the Yudu website. The exact cost will be given to you by the contractors in the response proposal to your application. There they will also indicate the contact phone number and other conditions of cooperation.
An electrician registered on YouDo will replace the light switch in the apartment, the price and terms are finally determined during negotiations.
The failure of the circuit breaker can occur for various reasons: from a short circuit to the banal wear of the box. In order to replace it, you can call an electrician, but if you wish, this work can be done independently. There is nothing difficult in this operation, and any adult, even without special knowledge, will cope with it in no more than half an hour. However, it should be remembered that since this work involves electricity, you need to take care of safety measures. In this article you will find a detailed answer to the question of how to change the switch with your own hands.
Preparation for work
Before proceeding with the replacement of the switch, you need to make sure that the reason is in it. Often the “culprit” is the cartridge, so you should first check it with a probe or multimeter, after unscrewing the lamp.
Also make sure that other rooms have light.
After making sure that it is the switch that is faulty, it must be dismantled. It should be remembered that the light switch is replaced in a de-energized apartment, so it is necessary to turn off the voltage that is supplied to the room with a knife switch. Warn all households that you are working with electricity and at this time they should not turn on any electrical appliances, and even more so, touch the switch.
Let's figure out first how to change the switch with one button.
Removing the switch
To dismantle a faulty device, you must first remove its protective cover, made of plastic or carbolite. To do this, you need to unscrew the 2 fastening screws.
The switch mechanism with one key is fixed inside the socket box with spacer tabs. It has a pair of screw terminals with cable cores connected to it. The position of the legs can be adjusted if necessary using the screws on the left and right sides.
Before removing the mechanism, it is necessary to determine which core the phase is suitable for. To do this, we need a screwdriver-probe. Touching her contacts one by one, we check the presence of voltage. Then the device key should be switched to another position, and then re-check.
The supply phase cable is the one on the contact of which the probe indicates the presence of voltage; at the same time, it is absent on the second contact. The zero core should go to the lighting device.
Phase detection is performed on a circuit breaker that is energized, so you must be extremely careful when performing this procedure. Only after its completion, the room must be de-energized by turning off the breaker or removing the plugs.
Having de-energized the apartment, you need to make sure that there is no voltage on the switch, and then continue to dismantle it. In this case, you need to act as follows:
- Remove the mechanism from the socket, after unscrewing the screws of the spacer legs.
- After that, you need to separate the wires, starting with the phase. Loosen the contact screw, pull out the cable and mark it with electrical tape.
- Disconnect the second cable from the mechanism.
- Straighten the wires.
This completes the dismantling.
Preparing to connect
Before you connect a new device, you need to prepare it for installation. The procedure for this is as follows:
- Remove the key using a flathead screwdriver.
- Unscrew the screws to gain access to the mechanism. The execution of these devices is different, but they are connected according to the same principle and fixed to the socket by means of spacer legs. The movement of the latter is provided by screws.
To fix the wires, a pair of screw clamps and a pressure plate are provided. With their help, you can loosen the fastening, or, on the contrary, press the cores more strongly. One to two wires can be connected to each contact.
Installing a new switch
Having prepared the mechanism for installation, we proceed directly to its connection. In this case, you need to act in the following order:
- Strip the ends of the wires from insulation by 1-1.5 cm with a knife.
- Insert the cleaned core into the contact hole, making sure that there is no insulation in the clamp. It should be remembered that the phase conductor (red) must be mounted in the socket of the contact marked with the L1 symbol, and the neutral conductor (black or blue) in the socket L2.
- If the end of the core sticks out more than 2 mm, trim the excess.
- Tighten the contact screw.
- Pull on the cable to make sure the contact is secure. The wire must remain motionless. If this is not the case, tighten the contact more tightly. But it is important not to overdo it - you can break the thread.
- Strip and insert the next wire into the hole.
- Fasten in the same way, make sure the fixation is good.
After that, the switch must be inserted inside the socket and secured with sliding strips. Then supply electricity to the room and check the operation of the device under voltage.
If the light turns off when the key is pressed up, you should swap the cables or simply turn the mechanism case over.
After making sure that everything is in order, replace the switch key and screw the cover. When installing the key, you need to make sure that the pins on it fit into the button grooves. This completes the switch replacement.
Let's move on to the question of how to properly change a switch with two buttons or three. The procedure for performing the procedure is almost identical to that observed when working with a one-button device, with the exception of a couple of nuances. When installing a switch with two buttons, the phase is connected to terminal L3, and the other two cables go to terminals L1 and L2. Switches for three keys are connected with four wires, one of which is phase, and each of the other three corresponds to its connection group.
Visually the whole process of replacing a two-gang switch on the video:
Conclusion
In the material presented, we tried to analyze in as much detail as possible how to replace the light switch. As you can see, this procedure does not present any particular difficulties, and our readers, after reading the article, will easily cope with such work on their own, without the help of a professional electrician.
The light switch in an apartment or office is one of the most important appliances. If it breaks, it will not be possible to activate the lighting. And this can paralyze any important human activity. Usually, work to restore lighting in such cases is required to be done urgently. Speed can be ensured if you do everything yourself. We will prove that it is not difficult to change or repair the switch.
How to replace an old switch with a new one - instructions
Most often, there are situations when it is necessary to replace an obsolete switch with a device purchased in a store. In addition, most breakdowns lead to the described process. And it begins with the dismantling of the old device.
Getting started, remember how the switch works. Here is a visual drawing.
Two-key instrument shown
How to remove the switch
First you need to arm yourself with a screwdriver.
For these purposes, the indicator is best suited. This tool has a small sting that is suitable for any bolt head, both with a cross groove and with a regular slotted one.
There are several types, but the handle is necessarily transparent
In addition, on occasion, you can immediately check whether there is an electric current in the contact. To do this, it is necessary to touch the head of the screw under voltage with the tip of the screwdriver, while placing a finger on the rear end (end) of the indicator. The diode lamp inside the tool handle should light up.
If there is no such probe, an ordinary screwdriver with a replaceable sting will also fit, one in which the iron tip is pulled out of the handle and rearranged vice versa.
In the middle of the metal rod slots for fixing in the handle
It's just that different switches have different bolts - both for a Phillips screwdriver and for a slotted one. And since the heads of such screws are initially hidden, it is not known in advance what type of groove.
Attention! Before manipulating directly with the wires, it is necessary to turn off the machine that feeds this electrical network in order to avoid electric shock! Usually the machine is located in a panel at the entrance area, often it is designed specifically for lighting and is located among other similar ones. Although in the "Khrushchev" he, as a rule, is one for the whole apartment - both for light and for sockets.
Installing a new appliance
For this operation, you also need to prepare a screwdriver with a replaceable sting or a probe.
- First, turn off the machine in the shield.
- Preparing a new switch. To do this, we snap off the keys with a screwdriver and take them out. Then unscrew the screw (if any) and remove the front panel.
- Before us is the inside of our newly acquired device. We insert the freed stripped ends of the wires into it and tighten the contacts with a screwdriver.
- We drown the mechanism in an old glass, align it with a level or a horizontally attached bottle of water.
- Then we screw in the bolts until they stop, which press the mounting antennae against the walls of the socket.
- We install the front panel, if necessary, tighten the fastening screw.
- Insert keys carefully.
We start by turning off the machine
The switch can be used.
In some modern devices described, the ends of the wires are fixed without screw connections, they are simply inserted into special holes and fixed automatically. The wiring is removed back by pressing a finger on special wringers.
The installation work described for a new device must always be carried out with the power supply switched off.
How to transfer - instructions
Suppose we are faced with a task of a different kind - for some reason, it is necessary to change the location of the device that activates the lighting in the room. Then, first of all, you need to think about the fact that in addition to a screwdriver, you will need some more tools.
First of all, this concerns the wiring hidden in the wall. Moving the switch here means chiseling the cable channel and drilling a new socket for the device. Therefore, you will additionally need a perforator with a channel blade, as well as a concrete crown for the perforator. You will also need a new cable, two-core with a wire cross section of 1.5 mm, as well as a clerical knife to remove insulation. Well, in the end, putty is useful for sealing the channel. Let's make a list:
- perforator with blade and crown,
- cable 2x1.5 mm (footage depending on the transfer length),
- stationery knife,
- putty and putty trowel.
Having prepared everything you need, we begin the process.
When connecting the device in a new place, we use the brown wire as the inlet, and the blue one as the outlet.
In the case of open wiring, everything is much simpler: after disconnecting the power switch, the switch is unscrewed from the wall, disconnected from the cable and attached elsewhere. Then the missing wires are drawn. The cable is usually hidden in a decorative box. At the end of the process, the wires are connected to the switch.
The box is matched to the color of the wall
Switch repair
Much more often than the transfer, there are situations when you just need to repair the described device. To repair the switch, you need to prepare all the accessories that will be useful in the work.
What tools and materials will be required
- Screwdriver with interchangeable tip.
- Indicator.
- A piece of fine-grained sandpaper.
These tools are suitable for all types of repairs.
How to disassemble
It has already been described that when dismantling the device, its keys are first removed. Then the front panel is removed. When the device is removed from the socket, it is freed from the wires.
Keys are easy to reach
After the mechanism is thus disassembled and simultaneously removed, it must be placed in front of you on the table and examined. Usually the contacts that are in the place where the plastic keys were are dirty. From frequent inclusions, these surfaces are also covered with soot.
It is not difficult to determine the nature of such a malfunction. You can understand that it is necessary to clean the contacts even before disassembling the device. If the device does not always work when the keys are turned on, then the appearance of soot in the appropriate places is quite obvious.
Contact cleaning
It is not always possible to carry out this process. For most modern switches, the mechanism housing is non-separable and it is not possible to get to the contact. In such cases, it is easier to purchase a new switch, especially since it is inexpensive: about 50 rubles.
If, when considering the device, it became clear that the point of contact of the switching contacts can be reached with a screwdriver tip, then we perform the following. For this operation, take a piece of sandpaper and wind it around the tip of a small thin screwdriver. Having put the tool under the key, we wipe the copper contact with sandpaper.
Even in the absence of a skin, you can clean the copper contact surface with a screwdriver, making translational movements with the tool. A sharp sting will easily remove dirt and soot.
Other possible breakdowns and ways to solve them
Often there is such a common malfunction as loosening the clamp of the end of the wire. This is easy to diagnose by the behavior of the switch. It completely ceases to perform its function, although the keys move and click as usual.
Here it is enough to remove the device outside (after unfastening the buttons and the front panel), and then simply stretch the screws associated with the wire contacts with a screwdriver. This operation must be performed with the linear power supply turned off! When tightening the screw with your free hand, lightly press the wire into the mechanism.
Sometimes there is such a malfunction: one of the keys stops clicking. When exposed to it with fingers, an unusual "relaxation" is felt. There is clearly a breakdown in the mechanism. In this case, the switch must be completely replaced. In such devices, the repair of the mechanism located under the key is practically impossible, and even impractical.
How to assemble
To assemble the device, simply install the mechanism with well-fixed wire contacts back into the socket. Then we insert the front plastic panel. Finally we put on the keys. The switch is ready. Now you can activate the machine in the shield and make sure that our node is working properly.
This type of circuit breaker has an additional spare part - an insert
If no manipulations have led to the desired effect, then it is better to go to the store and purchase a new switch. And then replace the broken one, following the described instructions.
Video: how to replace a switch
Since the described devices experience some short-term load during operation during the “snapping”, their durability depends mainly on the number of inclusions. The more often the device is used, the faster it fails. However, one more rule works here: switches of well-known, well-established brands serve, as a rule, somewhat longer than the cheapest ones. You need to remember this.
So, starting to replace the node, study the instructions given and feel free to start working!
It is easy to change the switch to the same number of contacts and type of installation. Switches according to the type of installation are for external and internal wiring. Switches differ greatly from each other in the number of disconnected contacts, and in order to replace a single-key switch with a two- or three-key switch, one or two additional wires will need to be laid from it, respectively, to the lamp.
Find the right tool.
Pockets must contain:
- voltage indicator, do not use it as a screwdriver this tool is very fragile;
- three screwdrivers - one with a Phillips sting, and two of different sizes with a flat one;
- pliers or wire cutters;
- stationery knife;
- insulating tape;
- A flashlight is always handy.
Take precautions for safety when working with electricity.
Shoes with thick insulating soles must be worn. Go to the electrical panel and turn off the electricity supply to your apartment, near the electricity meter. It's as simple as unscrewing the fuses, turning off the circuit breaker, or turning the handle of the batch switch.
Protect yourself, warn all household members about your work. Write and hang on the electrical panel a piece of paper with the inscription "Do not turn on! Work in progress" . This is especially important if you turn off the electricity on the common landing.
For additional safety, you can lay a mat of insulating material in the work area. This will especially save you if the apartment has a bare concrete floor.
Remove the old switch.
Open the switch. Remove the keys by prying them with a wide screwdriver and pulling them towards you with the other hand, and also take out the decorative overlay.
Make sure that there is no voltage on the contacts to which the wires are connected. A must for everyone! Use a simple voltage indicator for this. 
Unscrew the screws on the two sides where the wires do not fit. If they hold the circuit breaker body to the mounting frame, then unscrew them completely. The screws on the expanding legs should not be unscrewed completely, it is enough to loosen them and the inside of the switch will be released.
Take out the inside of the appliance. Pull it out as far as the length of the free wires allows.
Install a new switch.
Inspect the ends of the wires for signs of overheating or oxidation. Cut off damaged ends before good insulation begins. If you need to lengthen short wires, then do it with a piece of wire of the same material and no less thickness. Be sure to solder the junction, for excellent contact, and insulate well.
The insulation on the wires should be removed by about 6 - 7 mm., For fastening without bends, and stripped by 18 - 21 mm., When twisting the ring. It is convenient to bend the ring of wires along the screw with which it will be pressed.
The most important thing is to find the phase wire. Run the exposed wires farther apart and make sure that they do not sag or touch the wall. Temporarily turn on the voltage. Use the indicator to find the wire on which there is voltage, and mark it.
Connect wires correctly. There are switches with marks where you need to connect the phase, this “L” mark is located on the base of the device. The icons "1", "2" or an arrow indicate the attachment points to which the outgoing wires are connected to the lamp. 
There are no symbols, then we connect the phase wiring to the central contact, in the middle between the other two wires. In a single-gang switch, the phase must be fed to the fixed bottom contact, although this rule is not strictly enforced.
Clamp the wires with screws, and check that the wires are secure by pulling them out of the clamps.
Make sure that the bare part of the wire does not protrude from the contact by more than 2 - 3 mm.
Install the switch in place. Pay attention to the correct fixing of the switch. The keys should turn on when they are pressed up. 
Align the switch horizontally and secure. Screw the mounting frame to the installation box with screws or fix the circuit breaker with spreader lugs. If you can’t securely fasten it with your paws, then put a plastic ring cut out of a bottle, pipe, or whatever else into the nest.
Finish your work. Fix the decorative trim first. Don't be stupid, put it right if it says "ON", "OFF" or other. Lay the keys flat against the trim, and push them into place.