Detailed instructions for disassembling the light switch

When repairing, replacing and other similar actions, you will have to disassemble the switch. This is a simple procedure, but dangerous, it requires compliance with the rules. There are also a number of nuances regarding certain types of switches.

Required Tools

As before starting any work, you must first prepare all the tools. To disassemble the switch, one small flat screwdriver is usually enough. In some designs, Phillips screws are provided, so you will also need a Phillips screwdriver.

You should also have an indicator screwdriver with you to check the voltage. Electrical tape, sandpaper, a knife may be required to repair the switch.

The indicator screwdriver must check the voltage.

Features of parsing different types of switches

There are several designs of switches on the market, and their disassembly may vary slightly. It is better to immediately study the nuances of working with non-standard mechanisms:

1. Three-key. They are used in rooms where there are many spotlights or several different types of lighting. Each of the buttons is responsible either for turning on a specific device, or for its own section. The keys themselves are quite thin, they need to be removed one by one. There is usually a small hole at the bottom that can be pryed off with a screwdriver for dismantling.
2. Dimmer. This type of switch is controlled by a rotary mechanism. The principle of removal is the same, only the rotary control is removed instead of the button.
3. Sensory. To disassemble this technological version of the switch, you need to dismantle the outer panel. Usually a special tool for this is included in the kit. If it is not there, you can use a flat screwdriver, but this must be done very carefully, because the glass of the panel may be damaged.
   When removing panels from touch devices, the main thing is not to damage them.
4. Paired design. The double option, where in addition to the switch there is also a socket, will have to be completely disassembled. You need to start with the socket, because it usually has a mounting bolt.
5. Checkpoints. By design, they differ little, except for the number of wires inside the box.

You can disassemble the light switch with the indicator installed in the same way. An additional advantage of the indication in the design is that without a special screwdriver, you can find out if there is voltage.

Mandatory step - turning off the power supply

Any work carried out with electricity must be carried out after it has been turned off.. In a house, wiring usually diverges into several parts. Each of the branches is responsible for its own site and functions on it.

The switchgear usually stands in a corridor or basement, the necessary lever is turned off on it, after which the output voltage is checked. If you are not sure which petal to turn off, it is better to turn off the machine completely.

Electricity cut off machine.

As for the apartment owners, their switchboard is located on the floor in the entrance. The main thing is not to confuse and not turn off the light to the neighbors.

Design errors can affect the process. Sometimes not a phase, but a neutral wire is connected to the machine. Such a system will work, but there is always tension in it, so it is rechecked. To solve this problem, you need to change scheme connections.

Instructions for dismantling the switch from the wall

Demolition work consists of several stages. On each, be careful not to damage the plastic construction. First you need to remove all the keys from the light switch, because it is impossible to remove the whole structure at once.

Key removal methods

You can remove the keys by hand. To do this, the lower part is pressed tightly, and the protrusion of the upper part must be pulled. But it is still better to use a screwdriver or other flat object, this reduces the risk of breakage of the element, but another risk arises - if you are careless, you can scratch the structure.

Some models have special holes into which you need to insert an object and pry off the key to remove it.

If the switch is not single-key, but there are two or three keys, then each key is removed in turn by the method described above, starting from the last one.

Removing the frame

After the keys are dismantled, it remains to remove the frame. Mounting depends on the design of the switch. In some models, everything is removed at once, in some - separately frames and a separate core.

By type of fastening, the most common type is a screw connection. In this case, you will need a screwdriver, the removal work will take only a few seconds.

The second fastening mechanism is clamping. In this design, you only need to alternately bend these elements.

How to pull the mechanism out of the socket

After removing the frame in the internal or external switch, it remains to unscrew the mechanism from the socket built into the base of the wall. Usually a screw mounting option is used, so you will need a flat or Phillips screwdriver.

Additionally, there may be "spacers" in the design. These are special elements that move apart when the screws are screwed in. They hold the mechanism more tightly inside, but loosen when unscrewing.

Sometimes sockets are installed in special mounting boxes, especially often this element is in outdoor structures. On such a box there are screws that should also be loosened.

Disconnecting wires

After you managed to open the switch and pull it out of the wall, it remains to disconnect the wires. They are fixed in two ways:

1. Screw. In such a mechanism, the screws press the voltage wires in the terminals, they need to be unscrewed a little (not completely), after which the cable can be pulled out.
   Screw-type wire clamp design.
2. spring. In devices with spring terminals, there are special levers that should be pressed to disconnect the wires.

It is better to remember which wire was fixed on which side. This will greatly simplify the installation of a new switch.

Step by step assembly of the switch

To assemble the switch, you need to repeat everything in the opposite direction.

If it was not possible to remember where the phase goes, you need to turn on the machine, check this with an indicator screwdriver, and then turn off the voltage again.

Instruction:

1. On the inside of the mechanism is a diagram on which the phase is indicated by the letter L.
2. The wires are inserted into the junctions, the screws must be tightened. If an unused wire remains, it must be insulated.
3. The design is inserted into the socket, fixed with screws.
4. The frame is inserted. A characteristic click will tell you that she has taken her place.
5. A button is inserted until clicked.

Thematic video will help you deal with the replacement of switches.

Dismantling a combined socket with a switch

First you need to remove the buttons, unscrew the fixing screws, pull the mechanism slightly towards you.

The design combining the socket and the switch is convenient in application. If repair or replacement is necessary, the entire dual housing will have to be removed at once. In addition to the screw, which is usually located in the middle of the socket, there is another fixing element located under the keys.

Disconnecting the wires is no different from disconnecting a conventional switch.

Read also

How to install a light switch - indoor or outdoor

 

The nuances of disassembling switches of popular brands

Design features are not only in different types of switches, but also among the products of different manufacturers. Key points to consider.

1. Makel. The frame of the switch is fixed with special elastic elements that go deep. To get to them, you need to pull the pad towards you. It is also worth considering that the screws are on the inside, so access to them will be only after pulling the mechanism out of the socket.
2. Legrand. This manufacturer equips products with locking petals that are held in the socket. These fasteners must be loosened before dismantling.
   Device mechanism from Legrand.
3. Wessen. To remove the keys from the Wessen devices, you need to grab and press the protruding side, pull it towards you. The fixation elements will come out of the grooves, the buttons can be left aside. Wessen circuit breakers feature a solid escutcheon design that is secured with two bolts.
4. Lezard. The company's product range includes switches with different fixing elements for frames. If these are screws, they must be unscrewed with a screwdriver, and the side latches are bent with a screwdriver, knife, or other thin object.