Can I fix a broken light switch myself?

Alias_Omega

Switch could have been either -



1-Way
2-Way
Intermediate
Double Pole Isolator - Unlikely


In the future, i would seek out places such as "Screwfix" or even "Toolstation". Screwfix is the same as B&Q, however cheaper.... Toolstation offer free hot drinks, therefore has another attraction.


Good job!

Mr.Generous

Alias_Omega wrote: »

Switch could have been either -



1-Way
2-Way
Intermediate
Double Pole Isolator - Unlikely


In the future, i would seek out places such as "Screwfix" or even "Toolstation". Screwfix is the same as B&Q, however cheaper.... Toolstation offer free hot drinks, therefore has another attraction.


Good job!

More double pole switches in domestic property than intermediate switches, other than a couple of 3 storey landing lights I've not come across them. Because of the complexity and different ways they work I was taking a wild gamble on it being like 99% of 1 gang light switches you come across. :beer: Toolstation is my first port of call for most materials. :beer::beer:

Hermione_Granger

bobbybobbo wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies! An update on this, I ended up watching a YouTube video and braving it myself. Just popped down to B&Q and bought a new switch (1 gang 2 way) and an electricity tester pen (voltage tester?). The rest was super easy. Just two wires in there, figured it out pretty quickly. Works like new and happy to have saved £50+ on an electrician! Thanks again!

Aren't you glad that you didn't take any notice of our resident "everything electrical in your house must only be repaired or replaced by a qualified electrician" expert?

Grenage

bobbybobbo wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies! An update on this, I ended up watching a YouTube video and braving it myself. Just popped down to B&Q and bought a new switch (1 gang 2 way) and an electricity tester pen (voltage tester?). The rest was super easy. Just two wires in there, figured it out pretty quickly. Works like new and happy to have saved £50+ on an electrician! Thanks again!

Excellent, but do yourself a favour for any future work, buy a cheap multimeter for testing cables. Those pen testers are not great.

Alias_Omega

Grenage wrote: »

Excellent, but do yourself a favour for any future work, buy a cheap multimeter for testing cables. Those pen testers are not great.

i would not buy cheap, they dont last. If you are going to venture out, i would go with something like "Fluke".


An example product - https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/Fluke-T150-Voltage-and-Continuity-Tester/8018215370?iid=123531561420


This will perform voltage checks, but also continuity of you want to bell out switch wires, or even a primitive check that ring is still made before turning power on..

Ectophile

Flukes are top end professional kit. And priced accordingly.


I have an old Maplin one I bought years ago, and it still works fine. Obviously, you aren't going to get a new one now. But if you avoid the cheapest junk, you should be able to get something that lasts for occasional hobby and DIY use.

onomatopoeia99

Alias_Omega wrote: »

i would not buy cheap, they dont last. If you are going to venture out, i would go with something like "Fluke".

The £6 multimeter I bought for my electronics 'O' level in the mid 1980s still works. I have had to replace the battery a few times, and resolder the flexible wires where they attach to the probes a couple of times as well, but it still works.

I agree about Fluke, excellent, if you have the budget.

Risteard

onomatopoeia99 wrote: »

I agree about Fluke, excellent, if you have the budget.

Fluke test equipment is good, but my preference is for Megger equipment.

basill

Risteard wrote: »

Fluke test equipment is good, but my preference is for Megger equipment.

My Grandad gave me an Avo like this when I was a lad, I know its older than I am but it still works very well :-)

http://www.richardsradios.co.uk/AVO/AVO8.jpg

Have a digital one for best but its a nice old thing :-)

Well done OP good job !