Discuss Help with changing a light switch...no "plate" just wires coming out of the wall.... in the DIY Electrical Advice area at ElectriciansForums.net

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Nava

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Hi Everyone!!

As you can probably tell by the question I am definitely no electrician :)

I wanted to change my light switch as I broke the old one...I purchased a new light switch but it was flat whereas the old one was more of a box. I tried to attach the wires following a youtube video but there was no where to put the earth in the new light switch box? Does anyone have any idea if I need to purchase a "box" version switch of what I can do with the earth wire? I have attached pics to help it make sense :)
Thanks in advance for any help!!! :)
Help with changing a light switch...no "plate" just wires coming out of the wall.... wire - EletriciansForums.net
 
you need to chop out and fit a galv. bac box. trhen red to common, blackto L1, and E to the easrth tag on back box. ( unless it's a metal switch faceplate, then it will have it's own earth terminal.

Help with changing a light switch...no "plate" just wires coming out of the wall.... {filename} | ElectriciansForums.net
 
You culd get a metal back box fitted but this would have to be chased (sunk) in the wall, these boxes have an earth terminal, you could fit a surface back box many of these also have an earth terminal, best advice would be to contact an Electrician to do this for you, about an hours work, probably less.
 
You need a 16mm surface, plastic back box which generally incorporate a brass earth terminal. Just double check your new switch fits it and don't drill through the cable in the wall.
 
and one of these//...
Help with changing a light switch...no "plate" just wires coming out of the wall.... {filename} | ElectriciansForums.net
 
I think there’s already been a pattress box there.
Repeat what others have said.
You’ll need to cut a hole in the wall to take a metal back box, and repair around it with polyfilla or something similar.
 
I'm thinking thats not what the OP is after. So.…………………………………………………………..
I think you want one of these;
https://media.screwflix..com/is/image//ae235?src=ae235/30573_P&$prodImageMedium$

https://www.googleadservices.com/pa...hUKEwiujrbwxNzgAhUSa1AKHfi6A7AQ9aACCFg&adurl=

You'll need a 35mm deep one, if your new switch is a dimmer switch.

PS bit like the one @telectrix posted, but a flush one, not a surface one :)
 
you need to chop out and fit a galv. bac box. trhen red to common, blackto L1, and E to the easrth tag on back box. ( unless it's a metal switch faceplate, then it will have it's own earth terminal.

Help with changing a light switch...no "plate" just wires coming out of the wall.... {filename} | ElectriciansForums.net

And one of these ...

https://media.screwflix..com/is/image//ae235?src=ae235/11833_P&$prodImageMedium$
Come on guys, don't get sloppy! :D
 
I'm thinking thats not what the OP is after. So.…………………………………………………………..
I think you want one of these;
https://media.screwflix..com/is/image//ae235?src=ae235/30573_P&$prodImageMedium$

https://www.googleadservices.com/pa...hUKEwiujrbwxNzgAhUSa1AKHfi6A7AQ9aACCFg&adurl=

You'll need a 35mm deep one, if your new switch is a dimmer switch.

PS bit like the one @telectrix posted, but a flush one, not a surface one :)

i posted a flush one.. you been specsavers recently? try a different branch. :D:D:D:D:D.
 
And one of these ...

https://media.screwflix..com/is/image//ae235?src=ae235/11833_P&$prodImageMedium$
Come on guys, don't get sloppy! :D

That's a bit forward.....assuming the OP needs a pile cushion...
 
It's a grommet.

An nothing to do with ears in this case.
 

Reply to Help with changing a light switch...no "plate" just wires coming out of the wall.... in the DIY Electrical Advice area at ElectriciansForums.net

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