Reuse old switches

[Chris Milne]

Ive just started a rewrite on a large grade A listed building and the client wants to reuse the switches as a period feature but I'm not sure! The switches are the toggle type with a brass face plate that goes over the switches and is held in place with lock rings. The back boxes are cast. Basically if you unscrew the lock rings you can take the plate off and the live terminals are open. Any comments would be appreciated.

 

[bigbaddave]

Do they have an earth? I think that is your answer?

 

[Octopus]

Ive just started a rewrite on a large grade A listed building and the client wants to reuse the switches as a period feature but I'm not sure! The switches are the toggle type with a brass face plate that goes over the switches and is held in place with lock rings. The back boxes are cast. Basically if you unscrew the lock rings you can take the plate off and the live terminals are open. Any comments would be appreciated.

In the library!! lol

 

[trev]

You can get modern standard kit which looks retro mate, it should keep the planning officers happy. I'd be wary of using the old kit.

How old are we talking about here?

 

[Chris Milne]

Earthing the plates and back boxes isnt an issue, I'm more worried that you can access live terminals without the use of a tool. Probably fitted in the 60's??

 

[telectrix]

i'd say the problem is the exposed terminals if you remove the cover. if a tool is required to remove it, you may be OK. if it can be removed by hand, then it's a no-no, then there's the point of whether you can securely earth the exposed metallic parts.

 

[Chris Milne]

Cheers, that was my thinking. Anybody know who makes some nice retro toggle switches?

 

[snowhead]

Threadloc will stop them

 

[Chris Milne]

What's thread lock? Excuse my ignorance!

 

[telectrix]

google period switches. but make sure you ( and therefore the client ) has deep pockets.

 

[snowhead]

What's thread lock? Excuse my ignorance!

Glue that stops nuts and bolts coming loose, (or being undone by hand)

 

[jamie-spark]

See here
period light switches - bakelite, brass & chrome light switches and fittings - traditional Victorian and retro light switches