Electrics for a DIY Trier

Careful_with_that_Axe

I am a complete novice with electrics but have common sense and can follow instructions.

I am wanting to change a standard electric light switch with a dimmer switch but have always been wary of electrics. It's not like plumbing where you can immediately get indications when sommat's gone wrong!


Should I try this or steer well clear?

Former_MSE_Andrea

Hi

Please be very careful with electrics and if in any doubt get a professional in.

We normally have a warning announcement at the top of this board about that but I think due to a glitch that hasn't been resolved yet (we've got a few higher priority technical issues to sort) it's not showing up.

Take care

Andrea

Careful_with_that_Axe

Thank you for the warning. I've been considering this on and off for almost a year, so you can be sure that I'm not at all confident about trying and will only do it if I am absolutely certain there will be no danger involved.
I used to work in H&S :rolleyes:

Ebe_Scrooge

Agreed, be very careful with electrics. However, just changing a light switch is pretty simple. Make sure you replace like with like - e.g. if your existing switch is one-way, replace with a one-way.

Hopefully I shouldn't need to tell you this, but make sure you cut the supply at the mains before you touch anything ! You can usually just isolate the appropriate circuit, but if in any doubt, kill the master switch which will cut the supply to the whole house.

The new switch will probably come with simple instructions, and should be pretty straightforward to fix. Just make sure that all the wires are securely fixed into the terminals, and any bare bits of wire are properly sheathed.

The only problem you may run into is if the existing switch is plastic, there may not be an earth wire connected ( there should be, but previous occupants may have botched it ). If your new switch is metal, it'll need to be earthed - probably time to call in a pro if this happens and you're not sure.

Careful_with_that_Axe

I think I may have a look at a wiring diagram and have a look under the plastic switch first to identify. Stoopid know, but I hadn't thought of doing that first!
It is a one way and flat was re-wired (I think) approx 6 years ago, but could well have been a botch DIY job if it is the same standard as the rest of the "improvements" made at the same time.
I will definately not mess about with if it's not earthed.
Many thanks

wallbash

Waiting to be 'shouted' at by the 'elf and saftey ! mob along with the professinals who have a vested interest:D

There are thousands of us DIY ers who have ben doing 'simple' electrics for years. Turn off the electric ( double check:D ) follow the instructions/ book/etc take your time.

Shocked :rolleyes: how many kids cant even change a plug

but have common sense and can follow instructions

Get on with it .

dursley.donkey

I learned to wire plugs as a child, and my dad used to check before I plugged it in - until the day when I clearly knew more than he did. I've rewired every kitchen I've lived in until the bureaucrats banned it. Learned it all from DIY books. There's only 3 wires, and they're colour-coded. It's very difficult to get it wrong if you know the basics.

You can get a screwdriver with a little light in the handle. If you touch it on a wire and the light comes on then the wire is live. Use it to check you've turned off the circuit before you touch anything and you won't go wrong.

wallbash

Going to get myself into trouble

Do I care:rolleyes:

bureaucrats banned it

Don't tell them!

Now I hear the cry
Problems when you come to sell

When asked .... answer dont know !

Will the seller pull out without a piece of paper ????
Would you????

Bit like HIPS , a buyer is interested in Location and price
paper work , long way down the list
Proof ... Ive just sold a house

andrew-b

As much as i think your asking for trouble advising on electrical jobs on a forum i get your point wallbash on the part p stuff . If electrical work has been done without the required documentation a buyer will likely just get all the electrics independently checked ...but it's not just about selling. If your house burns down because of an electrical fault caused by works that didnt meet the rules and regulations your insurers may not pay out...then your left without a pot to pee in.

Andy

wallbash

works that didnt meet the rules and regulations

But is it not true , that even the 'trade' finds it hard to keep up with all of the new regs that seem to occur. If I had my whole house rewired by an accredited electrian this year, how long would it be before the house would not be up to 'code' ?

Canucklehead

wallbash wrote: »

But is it not true , that even the 'trade' finds it hard to keep up with all of the new regs that seem to occur. If I had my whole house rewired by an accredited electrian this year, how long would it be before the house would not be up to 'code' ?

Good evening: Well, we're up to the 17th Edition Wiring Regulations but considering the 1st Edition came out in 1882 we're not doing too badly.:D

HTH

Canucklehead