Replacing Plastic Light Switches / Sockets

Sierra Oscar · 11-08-2022 6:10pm #1

Hi all, I've a family member moving into a new build in the coming weeks and they're looking to replace the standard plastic white light switches / sockets with chrome fittings. I'm just wondering if it's as straight forward as just taking off and replacing the front plate or if there is anything more intrinsic involved? I’m assuming it’s all the same wiring.

There will be an electrician in to do work, basically trying to figure out how labour intensive it is for costs.

kirk. · 11-08-2022 6:22pm

Not much labor to it

The main thing is to choose the brand correctly and avoid having to patch around the boxes

Someone else more knowledgeable than me will probably advise on that one

Not something I would bother with personally but each to their own

Sierra Oscar · 12-08-2022 7:46pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119460207#Comment_119460207

Thanks Kirk. I've read elsewhere that there is a possibility of having to ground the faceplates if moving from plastic to metal ones. Is that likely to be the case?

zidac · 12-08-2022 7:51pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119465345#Comment_119465345

The earth will work as per normal, buy from an electric wholesaler, not diy screwfix for example much harder to fit, works the same though, i normally use MEM brand but have being out of the trade for a while so others may have more modern knowledge.

Antenna · 12-08-2022 8:10pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119465345#Comment_119465345

You might have read of people with old wiring for lighting that do not have a earth wire. In that case they have to stick with the plastic lightswitches unless/until they replace their lighting wiring (as well as not to use any light fittings that require an earth connection if there is none).

kirk. · 12-08-2022 8:11pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119465345#Comment_119465345

Yes you have to link across from the backbox to the faceplate when fitting but that's a simple task

kirk. · 12-08-2022 8:14pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119465362#Comment_119465362

I forgot that one and very important as always choose the right brand and buy from an electric wholesaler

It's a straightforward job so spark might supply a list for getting quotes

Avoid DIY stores

kirk. · 12-08-2022 8:35pm

The way I'd be looking at it would be getting something a little wider than whats there now

A Stanley knife for the paint when removing the accessories

Then you'd want a long 3.5 rethreader so there's no issues with fitting the screws

Check the installation instructions then regarding plaster on the new build ,could be alright I don't know

I wouldn't bother with usb sockets generally imo , if it's separate u can upgrade later inbuilt Ur stuck with it

Sierra Oscar · 12-08-2022 9:17pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119465424#Comment_119465424

I was thinking that might be the case alright, felt it was important to mention that it's a new build as a result.

They will all be bought from a trade wholesaler, will make sure the electrician gives his blessing too.

Thanks for the help, really appreciated.

corner of hells · 12-08-2022 9:27pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119465637#Comment_119465637

Ask the electrician to provide sockets and switches, he'll most likely provide new 3.5mm screws and have the tap Kirk previously mentioned too.

It's not particularly labour intensive and an experienced electrician will be pretty quick changing over switches and sockets .

Sierra Oscar · 12-08-2022 9:40pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119465682#Comment_119465682

I'm thinking that would be the easiest thing to do, but the homeowner is somewhat particular when it comes to picking them out. There's a catalogue and all involved. 😂

I think I'll just suggest that the electrician picks them up and have a quiet word to make sure they are the right fittings and whatnot before the purchase is made.