Replacing a light switch - help with wiring please!

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Wiggum

1199 posts

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#1824316 18-Jul-2017 12:26

Satch:

networkn:...I can tell you that the $100 it would cost a sparky to do this seems good value.

I would imagine that a sparky would charge you $100 just for turning up (travelling fee or whatever they call it)

That sounds about right.

I refuse to use an electrician, most are just rip-offs, and will always just try the scaremongering trick. Only time I use them is when the work I am doing requires certification. There is nothing wrong with changing light switches, its not rocket science, and I am sure most people here realize you need to obviously switch off the power first.

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Satch

1985 posts

Uber Geek

#1824345 18-Jul-2017 12:53

Wiggum:

Satch:

networkn:...I can tell you that the $100 it would cost a sparky to do this seems good value.

I would imagine that a sparky would charge you $100 just for turning up (travelling fee or whatever they call it)

That sounds about right.

I refuse to use an electrician, most are just rip-offs, and will always just try the scaremongering trick. Only time I use them is when the work I am doing requires certification. There is nothing wrong with changing light switches, its not rocket science, and I am sure most people here realize you need to obviously switch off the power first.

We replaced every single light switch in our home a couple of years back. Did it all ourselves after double checking with our insurance company that we'd still be covered. This was replacing like with like, no additional wiring of course.

Wiggum

1199 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#1824346 18-Jul-2017 12:56

Satch:

Wiggum:

Satch:

networkn:...I can tell you that the $100 it would cost a sparky to do this seems good value.

I would imagine that a sparky would charge you $100 just for turning up (travelling fee or whatever they call it)

That sounds about right.

I refuse to use an electrician, most are just rip-offs, and will always just try the scaremongering trick. Only time I use them is when the work I am doing requires certification. There is nothing wrong with changing light switches, its not rocket science, and I am sure most people here realize you need to obviously switch off the power first.

We replaced every single light switch in our home a couple of years back. Did it all ourselves after double checking with our insurance company that we'd still be covered. This was replacing like with like, no additional wiring of course.

Yes, I believe this is all OK, you just need to make sure that the switches you are using are certified for NZ. And they remain in the same place.

We have replaced plug points, light switches etc over the years. Only one I have not touched is the one for the oven.

Rikkitic

Awrrr
18570 posts

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Lifetime subscriber

#1824396 18-Jul-2017 14:18

None of which helps OP's question. @jonathan18: If you haven't given up by now, here is what you need to know: First, the symbol you don't recognise on the fifth terminal is an earth symbol. It just means that the wire connects to an earth or ground circuit or to the earth or ground connector on the light fitting, if there is one. It carries no power. If the light fitting is not metal, and only one wire connects to the earth terminal, that wire can be safely put aside if necessary when the new switch is connected. It doesn't actually do anything important. Just make sure the end is insulated with electrical tape so it can't accidentally touch anything. If there is more than one wire in that connection, you need to join them with a little terminal block, available from any store that sells electrical or electronics goods. The terminal block should be attached to the wall if possible to keep it from moving around. Otherwise wrap it in insulating tape to make sure it can't accidentally touch anything.

Turn the light on if you can and check it is working. Leave it on. Cut the power. Verify that the light is off. The wires on the N terminal should go to loop on the new switch. The Common terminal goes to Common on the new switch. One way goes to 1, Two way (if any) to 2. That should do it. Put everything back and turn the new switch on. Then restore power. Try the switch to make sure it works correctly. If a fuse goes when you restore power or operate the switch, do not replace it but get an electrician in immediately.

Disclaimer: I am as certain as I can be that this information is correct based on the picture you posted but I am not a qualified electrician and anything you do you do at your own risk. Mains electricity is deadly and nothing to play around with. Be sure you know what you are doing before you do it. If you have any doubts at all, get expert help.

Plesse igmore amd axxept applogies in adbance fir anu typos

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