Replacing a dimmer with on/off switch

Bendy_House

Deleted_User said:

Ahh, I was hoping for a like for a like swap. I can barely change a light bulb, so I really am clueless with all things electrical. 

I think I’ll stick with the dimmers for now. Thanks guys 

Dummy....

Bendy_House

Er, I mean you could replace the dimmer modules with 'dummy' types. These will look identical, but only press on and off.

Bendy_House

Deleted_User said:

I’ve found some twin plate switch online. So my question now is, would the wiring be like for like? 

I don’t do any diy. So if I opened the back of both switches, is it identical enough for me to Be able to tell and swap the wires over like for like? Or should I not bother because buying and returning things online is more hassle then going to a store? 

Can you wire a plug? Can you swap a standard light switch without killing yourself? Ie, can you turn off the power supply, unscrew a screw, withdraw a wire, reinsert a wire, and tighten a terminal screw?

Phew - thank t'lawd.

If you post a pic of your existing switch, and also a link to the one you were hoping to buy, we 'should' be able to advise on how to swap the wires.

The secret is to either label them and take photos before swapping, or to move them one at a time. Or both.

I had to do a 4-ganger recently, with a mix of one and two ways. The new switch had the terminals in the reverse position, so the common links would barely reach. Made my head spin. I had to draw them all out before starting, and even then it was sweaty time.

2-gang should be ok.

Cornucopia

A photo would really help.

If it is a twin-sized faceplate with three dimmer switches on it, then the wiring is likely to be complicated.    Are you intending to keep the three switches separate or join them into a single on-off?

ChilliBob

100% take a photo when you get the screws out holding the switch on.

Also I think you may need to be more careful with a metal light switch vs plastic. I think they have an earth connection - so, if swapping from plastic to metal this may need to be considered... But those *far* more in the know than me can confirm/deny/advise better! 

[Deleted User]

Bendy_House said:

Can you wire a plug? Can you swap a standard light switch without killing yourself? Ie, can you turn off the power supply, unscrew a screw, withdraw a wire, reinsert a wire, and tighten a terminal screw?

Phew - thank t'lawd.

If you post a pic of your existing switch, and also a link to the one you were hoping to buy, we 'should' be able to advise on how to swap the wires.

The secret is to either label them and take photos before swapping, or to move them one at a time. Or both.

I had to do a 4-ganger recently, with a mix of one and two ways. The new switch had the terminals in the reverse position, so the common links would barely reach. Made my head spin. I had to draw them all out before starting, and even then it was sweaty time.

2-gang should be ok.

Erm, I’ve never wired a plug before in my life. My previous post was about changing a light bulb lol. But I do know where the power supply is and how to turn it off. 

So I think I will buy the switch online and when I have them, come back here with photos for a step by step guide. Thanks for all your input 

grumbler

Deleted_User said:

Bendy_House said:

Can you wire a plug? Can you swap a standard light switch without killing yourself? Ie, can you turn off the power supply, unscrew a screw, withdraw a wire, reinsert a wire, and tighten a terminal screw?

Phew - thank t'lawd.

If you post a pic of your existing switch, and also a link to the one you were hoping to buy, we 'should' be able to advise on how to swap the wires.

The secret is to either label them and take photos before swapping, or to move them one at a time. Or both.

I had to do a 4-ganger recently, with a mix of one and two ways. The new switch had the terminals in the reverse position, so the common links would barely reach. Made my head spin. I had to draw them all out before starting, and even then it was sweaty time.

2-gang should be ok.

Erm, I’ve never wired a plug before in my life. My previous post was about changing a light bulb lol. But I do know where the power supply is and how to turn it off. 

So I think I will buy the switch online and when I have them, come back here with photos for a step by step guide. Thanks for all your input 

 - that's a twin plate rocker switch

- that's a dimmer from Screwfix.

Check the look of yours at the back, but most sellers don't show the back view, so, you can't be 100% sure.

'Com' terminals in the first picture and middle terminals (~) in the second one have to be connected together.

BTW, 'grid' switches are basically the same.

[Deleted User]

I’ve taken a picture of the Back of my light switch

[Deleted User]

I think I need to buy the first two items, but I’m not sure about which switch I need. 

There’s 10AX or 20AX and SP or DP control. 

Also the wires look jumbled and complicated?

FreeBear

10A, single pole is more than adequate for a light switch. If you are looking at the Varilight range, this one is suitable - https://www.screwfix.com/p/varilight-powergrid-10ax-2-way-grid-light-switch-brushed-steel-with-black-inserts/48650