To change a switch in an apartment or office, you may not understand the wiring at all, and 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.
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What do you need to know when replacing a breaker?
When replacing a switch with your own hands, you need to know that:
- The voltage in the electrical network is a danger to humans, therefore, you should not touch bare, unpowered wires with your bare hands.
- Before starting work, you must study the instructions for each specific model.
- For those who are doing their own replacement of electrical appliances for the first time, it is better to take photographs of the key points. Even a small deviation from the algorithm can lead to unpleasant results, such as damage to lights or wiring due to a short circuit.
Types of switches
The switches differ from each other in:
- the way of fastening to the wall;
- the number of keys;
- design features;
- the type of connectors for connecting electrical wires;
- the principle of inclusion.
Devices can be produced in a conventional design or protected from moisture penetration. The latter are intended for use in bathrooms or outdoors.
By fastening method
By the method of fastening, the switches are subdivided into:
- Internal devices. They are installed in special recesses in the walls, often in conjunction with socket outlets made of metal or plastic. This is the most common type of device used in multi-storey apartment buildings.
- Outdoor. Used in conjunction with exposed wiring and mounted directly to the wall.
By the number of keys
Modern manufacturers offer switches with one, two or three keys.
By design
Depending on the purpose and design features, the switches are:
- keyboards;
- push-button;
- rotary (slide).
The design of a simple switch with one key: 1 - a key with which the mechanism is driven; 2 - decorative frame; 3 - the working part, which contains the electrical mechanism
By the design of the terminals for securing the ends of the wiring
Modern circuit breakers use two types of terminals for fixing electrical wires:
- Screw. Connections where the clamp is made with screws loosen over time, which leads to an increase in temperature at the point of contact and burnout of the cable. They must be examined at least once every 2-3 years and tightened.
- Spring loaded. Such terminals are more durable and provide reliable contact throughout the entire period of operation.
On the principle of inclusion
Modern switches on the principle of inclusion are:
- mechanical - elementary key devices, easy to install and use (the function of a key can be performed by a lever, toggle switch, button, cord, rotary knob);
- electronic sensory, hand-operated;
- with remote control, equipped with a remote control or a motion sensor.
Photo gallery
Dismantling diagram of 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.
Dismantle the external switch in a similar manner. The only difference is that instead of loosening the screws of the spacer lugs, the screws with which the device is attached to the wall are unscrewed.
You can watch a video instruction on dismantling the old switch on the channel “Guys from the Stone. Do-it-yourself apartment renovation ”.
We are preparing to connect
Before connecting a new device, you must perform the following preparatory operations:
- Loosen the screw terminals so that the wires can easily enter the hole.
- Unscrew the screws of the spacer lugs so that the switch fits freely into the socket (this operation is not required for outdoor devices).
- Strip the wires when replacing them (if the condition of the old electrical cable is good, you do not need to strip it).
One-button circuit and connection
After everything is prepared, you can install the one-key breaker, following the detailed algorithm:
- Examine the markings on the terminals of the one-button switch. The phase wire must be connected to pin 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 exert too much effort, otherwise the thread can be ripped off.
- Install the switch in the socket box strictly horizontally without distortions.
- Fix the device with the sliding tabs by tightening the screws.
- Check the correct operation of the lighting devices by turning on the machine on the electrical panel.
- If the switch is working properly, replace the cover and keys.
Diagram and connection with two buttons
Algorithm for setting a switch with two keys:
- Connect the phase conductor to pin L, the remaining two ends to connectors 1 and 2 according to the marking.
- Tighten the fastening screws (this operation is not required for spring terminals).
- Place the switch in the socket.
- Tighten the screws of the sliding tabs to eliminate even the smallest clearances.
- Make sure the device is working correctly by applying power.
- Install the cover and both buttons.
Step-by-step instructions for installing a two-button switch are given in the photo gallery:
A professional electrician registered on YouDo will perform a high-quality and inexpensive replacement of the light switch in the apartment, the price and other terms of cooperation are determined individually. Order electrical work from a private electrician at a price lower than in specialized companies in Moscow.
Departure of the master is possible anywhere in Moscow and the Moscow region. A free call to a specialist can be made at a convenient time for you - applications on the YouDo website are accepted 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
When do you need to change wiring devices?
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 go to the specified address immediately to change faulty triple circuit breakers and sockets, as well as perform additional work related to electricity. Call an electrician to repair the switches if:
- soot appeared around the rim of the triple light switch
- the switches have ceased to function
- the rims of the light switches do not fit snugly against the wall
- when the light switch is turned on, the RCD is triggered
When repairing triple switches, Yuda performers carry out diagnostics of the equipment connection diagram, wiring devices. If a malfunction is detected, the masters promptly eliminate it.
Types of wiring equipment in the apartment
Triple light switches installed in apartments in Moscow and the Moscow region are conventionally divided into several types. They can be automatic, screw, screwless. Professional electricians registered with YouDo can change any type of triple switch, regardless of the wiring diagram, including:
- keyboards
- push-button
- dimmers
- rope
- remote
- sensory
- swivel
Rocker switches are considered the most common. Their installation, repair and dismantling does not take much time if the work is carried out by experienced craftsmen registered in Yuda.
Additional services of an electrician
Electricians registered in Yuda carry out professional replacement of switches - the price and other terms of cooperation are discussed in private. 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 on YouDo, you can order additional services, including:
- repair of electrical wiring
- installation of branches in electrical circuits
- installation, shutdown and repair of lighting devices
- cable laying, installation of junction boxes
- dismantling of junction boxes
- installation and shutdown of the RCD machine
- repair of an RCD machine
- telephone cable routing
Specialists registered in Yuda carry out all types of work related to electricity. If you need to install electrical equipment, wiring devices, troubleshoot electrical wiring - order the services of Yuda contractors. Masters provide high quality of work performed, affordable cost and favorable terms of cooperation.
How much does it cost to repair wiring equipment?
Specialists registered on YouDo can urgently install automatic electrical appliances and sockets 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 more, depending on the following factors:
- the complexity of the connection diagram
- 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 performers in the response to your application. They will also indicate their contact phone number and other terms of cooperation there.
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 switch 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, can cope with it in no more than half an hour. However, it should be remembered that since this work is connected with 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 you start replacing the switch, you need to make sure that the reason is in it. Often the "culprit" is the cartridge, so first you should check it with a probe or multimeter, having previously unscrewed the lamp.
Also make sure there is light in the rest of the rooms.
After making sure that it is the switch that is faulty, it must be dismantled. It should be remembered that the replacement of the light switch is carried out in a de-energized apartment, therefore it is necessary to turn off the voltage that is supplied to the room with the switch. Warn everyone at home 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 first figure out 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 one-button switch mechanism is fixed inside the socket with spacer lugs. It has a pair of screw terminals with cable conductors connected to it. The position of the feet can be adjusted, if necessary, with the screws on the left and right sides.
Before removing the mechanism, you need to determine which vein the phase approaches to it. For this we need a probe screwdriver. Touching her contacts one by one, we check for the presence of voltage. Then the device key should be switched to another position, and then re-check.
The supplying phase conductor of the cable is the one at the contact of which the probe indicates the presence of voltage; in this case, it is absent on the second contact. The zero core must go to the lighting device.
Phase detection is performed on a live circuit breaker, so you must be extremely careful when performing this procedure. Only after its completion, the room must be de-energized by turning off the switch or unscrewing the plugs.
After de-energizing 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 proceed as follows:
- Remove the mechanism from the socket after unscrewing the screws of the spacer lugs.
- After that, you need to separate the wires, starting with the phase one. Unscrew 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 connecting a new device, you need to prepare it for installation. The procedure is as follows:
- Remove the key using a flat screwdriver.
- Unscrew the screws to gain access to the mechanism. The design of these devices is different, but they are connected according to a single principle and are fixed to the socket by means of spacer legs. The movement of the latter is provided by screws.
A pair of screw clamps and a pressure plate are provided to fix the wires. With their help, you can loosen the fastening, or, on the contrary, press the veins more strongly. Each contact can be connected from one to two cores.
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 the 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 fixed in the socket of the contact marked with the symbol L1, and the zero (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 secured well. The wire must remain stationary. 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 the next wire and insert it into the hole.
- Fix in the same way, make sure that the fixing is good.
After that, the switch must be inserted into 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 you press the up key, you should swap the cables or simply turn the mechanism case over.
After making sure everything is in order, reinstall the switch button and screw on the cover. When installing the key, you need to make sure that the pins on it fit into the key grooves. This completes the replacement of the switch.
Let's move on to the question of how to properly change a switch with two buttons or three. The order of the procedure is almost identical to that followed 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 the L3 terminal and the other two cables go to the L1 and L2 terminals. Switches for three keys are connected with four wires, one of which is phase, and each of the other three corresponds to its own connection group.
The whole process of replacing a two-button switch is clearly visible in the video:
Conclusion
In the presented material, we tried to make out 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, having read the article, can easily cope with such work on their own, without the help of a professional electrician.
A light switch in an apartment or office is one of the most important devices. If it breaks, it will not be possible to activate the lighting. And this can paralyze any important human activity. Usually, work on the restoration of lighting in such cases needs 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 a switch.
How to replace an old switch with a new one - instructions
Most often, there are situations when it is necessary to replace an outdated switch with a device purchased in a store. In addition, most breakdowns lead to the described process. And it begins with dismantling the old device.
Before getting started, remember how the switch works. Here is a pictorial drawing.
Two-Key Device Shown
How to remove the switch
First you need to arm yourself with a screwdriver.
An indicator is best suited for these purposes. This tool has a small tip that is suitable for any bolt head with both a cross slot and a regular slotted bolt.
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, touch the head of the energized screw with the tip of the screwdriver, at the same time putting your finger to the rear end (end) of the indicator. The diode lamp inside the handle of the tool should light up at the same time.
If there is no such probe, an ordinary screwdriver with a replaceable tip will do, one in which the iron tip is pulled out of the handle and rearranged the other way around.
In the middle of the metal bar there are slots for fixing in the handle
It's just that different switches have different bolts - both for a Phillips screwdriver and for a slotted screwdriver. And since the heads of such screws are initially hidden, it is not known in advance what type of groove.
Attention! Before making manipulations directly with the wires, it is necessary to turn off the machine supplying this electrical network, in order to avoid electric shock! Usually, the machine is located in the dashboard at the entrance area, often it is designed specifically for lighting and is located among other similar ones. Although in "Khrushchevs" he, as a rule, is one for the whole apartment - both to the light and to the sockets.
Installing a new appliance
For this operation, you must also prepare a screwdriver with a replaceable tip or a probe.
- We first turn off the machine in the dashboard.
- We are preparing a new switch. To do this, snap off the keys with a screwdriver and take them out. Then we unscrew the screw (if any) and remove the bezel.
- 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 sink the mechanism in an old glass, align it with a level or horizontally applied bottle of water.
- Then we screw in the bolts all the way, which press the fastening antennae to the walls of the nest.
- Install the front panel, tighten the fastening screw if necessary.
- Gently insert the keys.
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. Back the wiring is removed by pressing the special wringers with your finger.
The described work on the installation of a new device must always be carried out with the power supply disconnected.
How to transfer - instructions
Suppose we are faced with a different kind of task - 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 the screwdriver, you will need some other tools.
First of all, this applies to the wiring hidden in the wall. Moving the switch here means chiselling the cable channel and drilling a new socket for the fixture. Therefore, you will additionally need a perforator with a channel blade, as well as a concrete crown for a perforator. You will also need a new cable, two-core with a cross-section of 1.5 mm wires, as well as a clerical knife to remove the insulation. Well, in the end, putty will come in handy for sealing the channel. Let's make a list:
- perforator with a spatula and a crown,
- cable 2x1.5 mm (footage depending on 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 lead wire, and the blue one as the output one.
In the case of open wiring, everything is much simpler: after disconnecting the supply machine, the switch is unscrewed from the wall, disconnected from the cable and attached in another place. Then the missing veins 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
Breaker repair
More often than not, there are situations when you just need to fix the described device. To start repairing 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 replaceable 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, first remove its keys. Then the bezel is removed. When the device is removed from the socket, it is released from the wires.
Keys are easy to reach
After the mechanism has been disassembled in this way and at the same time removed, it must be placed in front of you on the table and examined. Usually, the contacts are dirty, which are located in the place where the plastic keys were. From frequent inclusions, these surfaces are also covered with carbon deposits.
It is not difficult to determine the nature of such a malfunction. You can understand that you need to clean the contacts even before disassembling the device. If, when the keys are turned on, the device does not always work, then it is quite obvious that carbon deposits appear in the corresponding places.
Cleaning contacts
It is not always possible to carry out this process. Most modern switches have a non-separable mechanism body 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 examining the device, it became clear that the point of contact of the switching contacts can be reached with a screwdriver sting, then we do the following. For this operation, take a piece of sandpaper and wrap it around the tip of a small thin screwdriver. Putting the tool under the key, wipe the copper contact with sandpaper.
Even in the absence of the pelt, you can clean the copper contact surface with a screwdriver, making translational movements with the tool. The sharp tip will easily remove dirt and carbon deposits.
Other possible breakdowns and solutions
Often there is such a common malfunction as the loosening of the clamp of the end of the wire. This is easily diagnosed 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 detaching the buttons and the front panel), and then simply pull the screws connected with the wire contacts with a screwdriver. This operation must be performed with the line circuit breaker turned off! When tightening the screw with your free hand, slightly press the wire into the mechanism.
Sometimes such a malfunction also happens: one of the keys stops clicking. When exposed to it with fingers, an unusual "relaxation" is felt. The breakdown of the mechanism is obvious here. In this case, it is necessary to completely replace the switch. In such devices, the repair of the mechanism under the key is practically impossible, and even impractical.
How to assemble
To assemble the device, we 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 dashboard and make sure that our unit is working correctly.
This type of switch contains an additional spare part - 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 instructions described.
Video: how to replace the switch
Since the described devices in the process of operation during "flipping" experience some short-term load, their durability depends mainly on the number of inclusions. The more often the device is used, the faster it breaks down. However, another rule works here: switches of well-known, well-proven brands, as a rule, last a little longer than the cheapest ones. We need to remember this.
So, starting to replace the assembly, study the instructions provided and feel free to start working!
It is easy to change the switch for the same one according to the number of contacts and type of installation. Switches by type of installation are for outdoor and indoor wiring. The switches differ greatly from each other in the number of disconnected contacts, and in order to replace a one-button switch with a two- or three-button switch, you will need to lay one or two additional wires from it, respectively, to the lamp.
Find the tool you need.
Pockets should contain:
- voltage indicator, do not use it like a screwdriver; this tool is very fragile;
- three screwdrivers - one with a cross blade, and two different sizes with a flat blade;
- pliers or wire cutters;
- stationery knife;
- insulating tape;
- a flashlight is always useful.
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 simple, you need to unscrew the fuses, turn off the circuit breaker, or turn the handle of the circuit breaker.
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 a common staircase.
For added safety, you can lay an insulating mat 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 strip.
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. 
Loosen the screws on both sides where the wires do not fit. If they hold the switch body on the mounting frame, then unscrew them completely. The screws on the expanding lugs should not be completely unscrewed, it is enough to loosen them and the inside of the switch will be free.
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 wire ends 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 tightened with a ring. It is convenient to bend the wires over the screw with which it will be pressed.
The most important thing is to find a phase wire. Spread the bare wires apart in different directions and make sure that they do not sag or touch the wall. Switch on the voltage temporarily. Find the wire with the indicator and mark it.
Connect the wires correctly. There are switches with marks where you need to connect the phase, this mark "L" is located on the base of the device. The symbols "1", "2" or an arrow indicate the attachment points to which the outgoing wires are connected to the luminaire. 
There is no designation, then we connect the phase wiring to the center contact, in the middle between the other two wires. In a single-gang switch, the phase must be applied to a fixed bottom contact, although this rule is not strictly controlled.
Tighten the wires with the screws, and check that the wires are securely fastened 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.
Refit the switch. Pay attention to the correct fastening of the switch. The keys should turn on when they are pressed down at the top. 
Align the breaker horizontally and secure. Screw the fastening frame to the installation box or fix the switch with the release lugs. It is not possible to securely fasten with paws, then put a plastic ring cut from a bottle, pipe or whatever else into the socket.
Finish your work. Fix the decorative strip first. Do not be stupid, put it correctly if it has the words "ON", "OFF" or others. Place the keys evenly over the decorative cover and press them into place.