Help me find plastic light switches

bobbybuttons

I bought some lovely shiny chrome light switches to be told by our electrician a few weeks back he couldn't fit them as our switches contain no earth. He said only plastic ones can be fitted unless we had a rewire which is out of the question. I'm trying to find some chrome effect plastic switches, need 2 singles and a double switch. Seems all chrome ones I've found are metal. Will also consider grey/black switches if needs be. Anyone help please I've been looking for the past hour with no luck 🙁 

Risteard

Rewiring the lighting is the correct approach. The wiring must be ancient anyway. 

flashg67

Have you thought about a cover/ sticker - just an example - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Metallic-Silver-Gloss-Light-Switch-Sticker-Vinyl-Skin-cover/171889776655?hash=item28056dd80f:m:m_wrO1-7hbCevQVfKutEhFw

Hasbeen

bobbybuttons said:

I bought some lovely shiny chrome light switches to be told by our electrician a few weeks back he couldn't fit them as our switches contain no earth. He said only plastic ones can be fitted unless we had a rewire which is out of the question. I'm trying to find some chrome effect plastic switches, need 2 singles and a double switch. Seems all chrome ones I've found are metal. Will also consider grey/black switches if needs be. Anyone help please I've been looking for the past hour with no luck 🙁 

As Risteard  advises you need a rewire. Is the existing cable back/red wires? run in metal conduit?

Do not know if below in black would be safer as screws will still be not earthed, but so would white plastic unless you can get the ones with plastic screw covers. Always go with your electricians more knowledgeable advice though!

https://socketstore.co.uk/products/sockets-and-switches/graphite-and-charcoal/contour-graphite/contour-graphite-light-switch-1-gangblack-plastic-switch#

FreeBear

bobbybuttons said: Seems all chrome ones I've found are metal. Will also consider grey/black switches if needs be.

Have a look at "screwless" switches - They do infact have screws, but use a chrome effect panel that clips over the plastic casing.

Alternative is to use a bog standard all plastic switch and then get some self adhesive covers (available from ebay, amazon, and others).

If it makes you feel any better, ordered some fancy black glass touch switches thinking "they'll be easy to fit"... Need to run a neutral wire to each switch, and also do some hacking to upgrade the firmware. Thought I was buying Sonoff smart switches, but getting some cheap(er) knock-offs instead.

bobbybuttons

Thanks, ours at the moment do have metal screws in.  The cable is red and black behind and the back boxes are metal 😮.  It's a rented property(of family) so will not be rewiring ourselves.
I've found plastic double 2 way switches in plastic chrome just can't find singles anywhere. I think the vinyl covering will look rubbish but thanks for the suggestion. Will have a look at the screwless ones will they be OK and are the covers you put over plastic? 

Hasbeen

bobbybuttons said:

Thanks, ours at the moment do have metal screws in.  The cable is red and black behind and the back boxes are metal 😮.  It's a rented property(of family) so will not be rewiring ourselves.
I've found plastic double 2 way switches in plastic chrome just can't find singles anywhere. I think the vinyl covering will look rubbish but thanks for the suggestion. Will have a look at the screwless ones will they be OK and are the covers you put over plastic? 

Do you mean one gang 2 way switch or two gang 2 way switch?

When you say the back boxes are metal shiny galvanised or black? does the incoming wires arrive in a metal conduit pipe?

Do you have a copy of the required electrical safety certificate?

shaun_from_Africa

Hasbeen said:

Do you have a copy of the required electrical safety certificate?

Unlike gas systems, at present, there is no legal obligation for the landlord of a rental property to have an electrical safety certificate or an annual inspection. All that is required is that they have to ensure that the electrics are safe (including any appliances supplied as part of the rental) and have portable appliance testing done annually on any portable appliances supplied.

This is due to change this year (July) but may well get put back due to Covid.

Hasbeen

shaun_from_Africa said:

Hasbeen said:

Do you have a copy of the required electrical safety certificate?

Unlike gas systems, at present, there is no legal obligation for the landlord of a rental property to have an electrical safety certificate or an annual inspection. All that is required is that they have to ensure that the electrics are safe (including any appliances supplied as part of the rental) and have portable appliance testing done annually on any portable appliances supplied.

This is due to change this year (July) but may well get put back due to Covid.

Thanks shaun. Was unaware of that as by law we have to do it here. 

shaun_from_Africa

Unless the landlord is an electrician themselves, it would certainly make sense for them to get someone qualified to make sure that the electrics are safe but I think we all know that whilst there are many sensible and responsible landlords, there are also many who don't give a **** about certain things.

GDB2222

Why not go Quinetic, and then you can just disconnect the wiring to the switch?
https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/QURS1W.html