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How to change an electrical switch?

Is your electrical switch broken? Would you like to change the switches in your home to bring them up to date? You’ve never done this before and want to know how to install an electrical switch? CD Engineering, your certified lighting professionnal, will explain the process so that you can become an expert on electrical switches.

Types of electrical switches

Before you change your electrical switch, you should be aware that there are several different types of switches. To help you choose the right one for you, we’ll explain the differences between the most common types found in homes today:

First, there’s the simple switch. This is the most basic one and it is used to control a single light point (receiver) and there is just one switch (transmitter) connected to this receiver. All you have to do is change its position to switch the power supply on or off.
Secondly, there’s the twin-circuit switch. It’s the same system as for the single switch, except that here you can control two receivers, so two light points, from a single switch.
Then, there’s the two-way switch or reversing switch. This allows a light point to be controlled from two different locations. Two interconnected switches are used to switch a light on and off.
Finally, the dimmer switch. Increasingly used, the dimmer switches the light on and off and also controls the intensity of brightness in the room.

Now that you’re familiar with the most common types of switch and know which one you need, you can move on to installation.

What is an electrical switch ?

An electrical switch is a device built into your wall that connects the electrical circuit of your installation to your electrical network. It consists firstly of a built-in box, color-coded according to the type of partition, which contains the entire electrical system. It also includes a screw-on bracket and a switch cover that you can choose the finishing of your choice.

As a result, it enables you to open or close the power supply to a light point. However, in addition to its functional role, it also provides the necessary protection against electrical hazards and optimizes your daily electricity consumption. Indeed, the switch mechanism can include an overload protection device and, in some cases, a dimmer or timer to better control the intensity and duration of your lighting.

How to choose the right switch for your home ?

You’d like to install a switch but don’t know which one to choose ? There are a number of factors to consider, such as :

Your wiring diagram : to ensure the compatibility and safety of your installation ;
The type of room to be equipped : these may require a certain light intensity or duration, as well as protection against water ;
Type of installation : surface-mounted, recessed or mixed ;
The electrical load to be supported : the sensitivity required to control your elements ;
The type of control required : the number, intensity or control point of your luminaires ;
The type of finish required : simple or decorative.

Finally, don’t hesitate to call on the expertise of our CD Engineering professionals to advise you on your choice of switch. You’ll be sure to benefit from an efficient and high-performance structure, without taking any risks !

The steps involved in order to change an electrical switch

To install a switch, you’ll need specific electrical equipment. A screwdriver, wire cutters, wire strippers and the new switch.

Before you do anything else, make sure that the electricity supply is switched off. Once that’s done, you can start by removing the plate covering the switch.

Then, if there are any fixing screws, unscrew them. The switch is connected to electrical wires that you need to disconnect. If necessary, you can cut the ends of the cables with your pliers to make them tidier.

Once you’ve done this, take your new switch and connect it properly to the existing wires.
Next, you need to fix it in place. There are two types of fixing: claw or screw.

Simply insert the switch into the space provided. Slide the claws inside. If screws are used, simply screw your switch back onto the wall.

Finally, simply replace the new cover and you’re done! Don’t forget to check that everything fits properly!

Who can change the electrical switch for you?

Depending on the switches you want to change, the work may be more difficult than for a conventional switch. That’s why it’s often better to call in a lighting professional to change your switches.

At CD Engineering we can carry out this electrical installation for you. As expert electricians since 1996, electrical switches no longer hold any secrets for us. We’ll come to your home and replace your old switches. We can also make sure that your electrical system is in compliance with Brussels’ standards and carry out any electrical renovation work. If you would like to find out more about the electrical work we carry out, please contact our team of electricians on 02 381 31 01.

Advantages of referring to CD Engineering for your switch change

Calling on CD Engineering for your electrical work means benefiting from fast, efficient and transparent service ! We put our expertise at your service 24/7 to ensure you get reliable electrical installations in complete safety.

Since 1996, we’ve been committed to offering you the very best. That’s why our teams of experts undergo continuous training to ensure impeccable quality in line with the latest techniques and standards. So whether it’s a simple switch replacement, a breakdown service or a specific renovation project, you can count on our experts to give you the best possible support and advice. In addition, your estimate is 100% personalized and free of charge ! So don’t delay, choose CD Engineering for quality and efficiency.

Answers to frequently asked questions about switch replacement

At CD Engineering, we’re well aware that electricity, its standards and workings can be a source of many questions. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about switch replacement. That way, you can avoid unpleasant surprises and make informed choices, in complete safety and legality !

How to tell if a switch is defective ?

Your switch shows signs of breakage or discoloration ? It’s heating up or making unusual noises ? You can no longer turn your lights on and off ? Your push-button is stuck in one position ? These are signs that it may be time to invest in new, high-quality switches.

You can also use tools such as a voltage tester or multimeter to check your switch’s power supply more precisely. Indeed, your electrical installations may present certain problems requiring the replacement of your switchgear, such as : false contacts linked to the wear and tear of your electrical wires or the sheath that protects them, faulty connections following an incompatible connection or faulty wiring, an electrical load problem or even poor installation.

Finally, when in doubt, contact our skilled electricians ! They can assess the condition of your switches, advise you and connect your electrical components. All to ensure that your components perform well and are protected in the long term.

What standards apply to the changing of switches ?

The RGIE is the body responsible for setting current standards for electrical installations in Belgium. Therefore, to ensure the legality and electrical safety of your property, certain rules must be respected :

Use high-quality, certified materials to ensure the safety and reliability of your installations ;
Adapt your installations in line with local Belgian regulations ;
Protect your installations by installing an additional 30A differential switch or a fused circuit-breaker in your electricity meter ;
Maintain equipotential bonding to avoid electric shocks in the event of modifications to metal parts or ground connections ;
In the event of major works, call in a certified electrician to issue a certificate of conformity and guarantee the electrical safety of your installations.

Last but not least, remember to make your close ones aware of the best practices to adopt when using and changing switches. This will limit the risks involved and maximize the safety of your occupants.

Who from the landlord and tenant must pay for a switch change ?

You need to hire an electrician to repair your switches ? But who is responsible for paying for the interventions related to these electrical failures ? The answer depends on the cause of the failure.

Thus, the tenant will be responsible for incidents considered minor and common such as :

Minor electrical equipment problems related to lack of maintenance, neglect or improper use ;
The usual maintenance, naturally necessary to maintain the proper functioning of your elements.

However, the elements relating to electrical compliance and the securing of any installation in a dwelling are the responsibility of the owner. Thus :

Repairs related to a defective item ;
Repairs related to a dilapidated problem ;
The adjustments to special standards.

However, before you settle in, be sure to check the condition of your facilities and the terms of your contract. Thus, you will avoid any bad surprises and can enjoy a secure accommodation in complete serenity.