How to safely change a light switch UK. One way. Installation. Complete DIY guide

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  • Опубліковано 8 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 100

  • @spendtimesavemoneydiy
    @spendtimesavemoneydiy  5 років тому +5

    Thanks for watching my videos 👍🏼
    Please leave a comment and be sure to like, share and subscribe to help the channel out 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

    • @019208237
      @019208237 10 місяців тому

      Hi, I did exactly as you showed and the light didn't work and I got a little shock from touching the metal plate. I've got the yellow n green wire where you've put yours to the side the red going to the COM and the blue going to L2.

  • @sophiespencer70
    @sophiespencer70 3 роки тому +4

    Your videos are very explanatory, I love the way you break it down. I would really like a video on how to change a plastic 2 way light socket for a 2 way metal dimmer please.
    Keep up the good work!

  • @kinocchio
    @kinocchio 4 роки тому +3

    Thank You UA-cam man for teaching me another life skill. I've learnt so much from UA-cam, it's crazy.

    • @spendtimesavemoneydiy
      @spendtimesavemoneydiy  4 роки тому +1

      Glad you enjoyed my video. I've learned a lot from UA-cam too.
      Thanks for watching and be sure to like share and subscribe to help the channel grow 👍🏼

  • @BobMc87
    @BobMc87 3 роки тому

    You won't believe this.... I replaced a plastic socket with a chrome one, with no earth connected. Had it for a year. Recently went to replace it with another chrome switch and tripped, multiple times!!! Just about to put plastic one back on for now. Great video!

  • @SquashDaBeef
    @SquashDaBeef 4 роки тому +1

    Done the plug sockets based on your video, now for the light switches. cheers brother!

    • @spendtimesavemoneydiy
      @spendtimesavemoneydiy  4 роки тому +1

      Glad you found my video useful.
      Thanks for watching and be sure to like share and subscribe to help the channel grow 👍🏼

  • @AT-sf3wq
    @AT-sf3wq 5 років тому +4

    Although I've changed a few in my time. Always like to make sure I'm doing it right. To the point and informative 👍

    • @spendtimesavemoneydiy
      @spendtimesavemoneydiy  5 років тому +1

      ashley toyer thanks for your comment.
      I try to make my videos as informative as possible for all abilities.
      Thanks for watching and be sure to like, share and subscribe to help the channel grow 👍🏼

    • @AT-sf3wq
      @AT-sf3wq 5 років тому +1

      @@spendtimesavemoneydiy yes of course subbed and liked for you :)

    • @spendtimesavemoneydiy
      @spendtimesavemoneydiy  5 років тому +1

      ashley toyer thank you 😊

  • @persephone1001
    @persephone1001 3 роки тому +1

    Thanks so much for this, it's the only video I've found that says which wire goes where! I was changing from a different type of switch that didn't have the same terminals, so this was great 👌

    • @spendtimesavemoneydiy
      @spendtimesavemoneydiy  3 роки тому

      You're very welcome. Glad my video helped you out. I try to make my videos as easy to understand as possible.
      Thanks for watching and don't forget to like and subscribe to help me out 👍🏼

  • @LexxiKitty
    @LexxiKitty 2 роки тому +1

    Always boss seeing someone on YT from my neck of the woods, nice one✌️😁

  • @seandempsey7351
    @seandempsey7351 2 роки тому

    Great explanation on how to stay safe and how to do a simple switch change, like I said in your video on how to change a socket your voltage indicator doesn’t have a self check function one of the kewtech models does, shorting out the probes on yours is simply to check the the battery is good, witch only power the LCD display, if you remove the battery the voltage indicator will still work but without the LCD you should really check it with a proving unit or on a none source such as a nearby socket or the incoming side of the main switch in the CU . Great video though . And great to see someone who can be bothered to use a lock off and carry out the safe isolation 👍
    Well done 👍
    Fantastic video 👍👍👍❤️

  • @MrZedKay
    @MrZedKay 5 років тому +6

    nice vid - just getting into this myself and ur vids are helpful for a beginner

    • @spendtimesavemoneydiy
      @spendtimesavemoneydiy  5 років тому +2

      MrZedKay thanks for your comment.
      I'm glad my videos are helping you.
      Be sure to like, share and subscribe to help the channel out.
      Thanks for watching 👍🏼

    • @maliandharrisontv429
      @maliandharrisontv429 4 роки тому

      To be honest, if you have a voltage tester you probably won’t need this video. Bit thoughtless

  • @davidgriffin138
    @davidgriffin138 2 роки тому +2

    , informative, well demonstrated and explained

  • @hayley_michelle21
    @hayley_michelle21 5 років тому +4

    Another great video to watch! Keep them coming! 👍

  • @SJ-ju3np
    @SJ-ju3np Рік тому +1

    What is the specification of the earth wire you used to extend the length?

  • @anthonyclerc834
    @anthonyclerc834 4 роки тому +2

    Very good video mate 👌

    • @spendtimesavemoneydiy
      @spendtimesavemoneydiy  4 роки тому +1

      Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching, be sure to like share and subscribe to help the channel grow 👍🏼

  • @miaford6512
    @miaford6512 5 років тому +4

    Very informative!

  • @gardengnome2409
    @gardengnome2409 3 роки тому +1

    Great stuff, vey well explained.

    • @spendtimesavemoneydiy
      @spendtimesavemoneydiy  3 роки тому

      Glad you enjoyed my video.
      Thanks for watching and don't forget to like and subscribe to help me out 👍🏼

  • @tonyball563
    @tonyball563 4 роки тому +1

    Cheers mate very helpful, with nice and clear instructions. 👍

    • @spendtimesavemoneydiy
      @spendtimesavemoneydiy  4 роки тому +1

      Glad you found it useful. Thanks for watching and be sure to like share and subscribe to help the channel grow 👍🏼

  • @SE-mh5ie
    @SE-mh5ie 7 місяців тому +1

    Thank you very much, good man

  • @apocalypticbean
    @apocalypticbean 10 місяців тому

    Thanks for sharing! 😎👍

  • @sophiewood3718
    @sophiewood3718 3 роки тому +3

    Hi, thanks for the video. Just wondering my earth wire is the same a currently around a screw. Can this be put directly into the switch rather than putting a connector on? Many thanks.

    • @spendtimesavemoneydiy
      @spendtimesavemoneydiy  3 роки тому +1

      The back box should be earthed and then a link wire to the front plate.
      Thanks for watching and don't forget to like share and subscribe to help the channel grow 👍🏼

  • @Hand-i-Craft
    @Hand-i-Craft 5 років тому +4

    Great video. Can I just ask is it the same process for those double sockets that also have the USB ports in them? If it is different, would you possibly consider doing a video on how to install those? Cheers, Leo

    • @spendtimesavemoneydiy
      @spendtimesavemoneydiy  5 років тому +7

      Hand-i-Craft thanks for your comment.
      The usb socket is going to be next weeks video. So tune in next Saturday 9am
      Be sure to like, share and subscribe to help the channel out.
      Thanks for watching 👍🏼
      Thanks for watching

  • @xXaRiFhUsSaInxX
    @xXaRiFhUsSaInxX 3 місяці тому

    What is the wire called? The one you connected to the earth screw

  • @waimanso73
    @waimanso73 28 днів тому

    Do you have to put an earth wire on the switch?

  • @bethlong6797
    @bethlong6797 3 роки тому +2

    I’m changing all my switches so should there already be an earth wirer there to put in ? Or would I have to do what your doing ?

    • @spendtimesavemoneydiy
      @spendtimesavemoneydiy  3 роки тому +1

      There should be an earth and if you are using metal fronts then the earth should be connected to that as well as the back box. If there is no earth wire at all contact an electrician because that is dangerous.
      Thanks for watching and don't forget to subscribe 👍🏼

  • @nicedog1
    @nicedog1 4 роки тому +1

    Good explanation. Thanks

    • @spendtimesavemoneydiy
      @spendtimesavemoneydiy  4 роки тому +1

      Glad you found my video useful.
      Thanks for watching and don't forget to like share and subscribe to help the channel grow 👍🏼

    • @nicedog1
      @nicedog1 4 роки тому +1

      @@spendtimesavemoneydiy Of course!

    • @spendtimesavemoneydiy
      @spendtimesavemoneydiy  4 роки тому

      @@nicedog1 Brilliant thanks 👍🏼

  • @019208237
    @019208237 10 місяців тому

    I did exactly as you showed and the light didn't work and I got a little shock from touching the metal plate. I've got the yellow n green wire where you've put yours to the side the red going to the COM and the blue going to L2.

  • @SandandFriends
    @SandandFriends 4 роки тому +3

    What do I do if the plate at the back is metal and earthed and my new light switch is metal but there’s no second earth cable? Do I need to attach another earthing cable to the exiting one to screw into light switch or will it be okay because the actual metal plate at the back holding the wires is earthed? Currently changing my light switches and sockets and a bit stuck as there’s mixed opinions out there. Cheers

    • @spendtimesavemoneydiy
      @spendtimesavemoneydiy  4 роки тому +1

      It would be best if you put a piece of earth wire from the back box to the switch plate.
      Thanks for watching and be sure to like share and subscribe to help the channel grow 👍🏼

  • @wollybumbol214
    @wollybumbol214 3 роки тому

    1:13 servant bells? very advanced wiring for the 15th century

  • @jamie123b
    @jamie123b 4 роки тому +3

    What would happen if you don’t Earth the metal switch cover? Also I bought intermediate one by mistake with two L1s and two L2s, do I just use L1 as common and L2 as the other one?

    • @spendtimesavemoneydiy
      @spendtimesavemoneydiy  4 роки тому +3

      Metal switch plates should always be earthed.

    • @jamie123b
      @jamie123b 4 роки тому

      Spend Time, Save Money, DIY yeah- but what happens if you don’t

    • @inthemix3013
      @inthemix3013 4 роки тому +2

      @@jamie123b if a wire was to work loose from the terminal and rest against the metal switch next time anyone touches it they'd get a shock

    • @sophiewood3718
      @sophiewood3718 3 роки тому +1

      Similarly my earth wire is around a screw. Can this wire go directly into the switch rather tan putting a connector on? Many thanks.

    • @BobMc87
      @BobMc87 3 роки тому

      @@jamie123b I done it. I replaced a plastic plate with a chrome one, seemed to work for about a year. Went to replace it today with another chrome one, wired it in and it tripped a few times... luckily I wasn't blown away. Putting a plastic one back on for time being.

  • @babaghannoush1156
    @babaghannoush1156 4 роки тому

    Thank you! great video and very useful

    • @spendtimesavemoneydiy
      @spendtimesavemoneydiy  4 роки тому

      Baba Ghannoush glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching and be sure to like share and subscribe to help the channel grow 👍🏼

  • @huffgsi83
    @huffgsi83 2 роки тому +1

    Good video mate, you from Liverpool ? I'm on wirral

    • @spendtimesavemoneydiy
      @spendtimesavemoneydiy  2 роки тому

      Glad you enjoyed my video. Yes I'm from Liverpool.
      Thanks for watching and don't forget to like and subscribe to help me out 👍🏼

  • @northernimpie7072
    @northernimpie7072 3 місяці тому

    Is there a way I can test I grounded it correctly before I touch it just incase the metal switch electrocutes me

  • @bigbob6700
    @bigbob6700 Рік тому

    Where do I get that earth wire from?

  • @bigfoot7521
    @bigfoot7521 3 роки тому +1

    What size wiring should be used for the earth wire? is it 1mm? thanks

    • @spendtimesavemoneydiy
      @spendtimesavemoneydiy  3 роки тому +1

      Yes 1mm is fine.
      Thanks for watching and don't forget to subscribe 👍🏼

  • @pepespliff8980
    @pepespliff8980 3 роки тому +1

    So I removed the earth wire from the back plate and attached it to the metal switch should I have done it like you did don't wanna die

  • @DrBroncanuus
    @DrBroncanuus 2 місяці тому

    On the EARTH..the metal was too short so I replaced with earth wire found in a normal plug is that ok ?

  • @drupeacock1825
    @drupeacock1825 4 роки тому +3

    Sorry to sound stupid mate, what type of wire/size do i need to link the earth from backbox/screw to switch plate? Cheers

    • @spendtimesavemoneydiy
      @spendtimesavemoneydiy  4 роки тому +3

      M Mc 1.5mm wire is recommended for lighting. Thanks for watching and be sure to like share and subscribe to help the channel grow 👍🏼

    • @drupeacock1825
      @drupeacock1825 4 роки тому +2

      Spend Time, Save Money, DIY could i strip down 2.5mm twin and earth, and use the earth and add the sleeving? Would that be acceptable?

    • @spendtimesavemoneydiy
      @spendtimesavemoneydiy  4 роки тому +4

      M Mc that would be ideal 👍🏼

    • @drupeacock1825
      @drupeacock1825 4 роки тому +2

      Spend Time, Save Money, DIY Brilliant mate Cheers for the quick reply, keep the vids comin 👍🏻

    • @spendtimesavemoneydiy
      @spendtimesavemoneydiy  4 роки тому +1

      M Mc will do 👍🏼

  • @Lunar_Thorn
    @Lunar_Thorn 5 місяців тому +1

    I have a question and wondering if anyone in the comments can help. I'm thinking about switching my own light switch to a chrome one, my electrics aren't labelled at the unit. Is it safe to just turn the whole electricity off with the red switch rather than flick every individual switch to see which is my downstairs lights?

    • @spendtimesavemoneydiy
      @spendtimesavemoneydiy  5 місяців тому +1

      If in doubt turn everything off and still test to make sure it's not live or consult a qualified electrician

  • @Ad000121
    @Ad000121 Рік тому

    What is the difference between the red and black wires 1

  • @alext9067
    @alext9067 5 років тому +3

    I'm in the US and I'm not familiar with any of this. I didn't understand how the little clip with the lock on it protects the breaker from being switched on by someone. And how does that lock keep the screw from being removed by someone?

    • @thefowlyetti2
      @thefowlyetti2 5 років тому +3

      its a temporary measure to stop someone accidentally switching it on when your working on the circuit. if someone was desperate to kill you they could unscrew it, but thats not really the point.

    • @spendtimesavemoneydiy
      @spendtimesavemoneydiy  5 років тому +3

      Alex T thanks for your comment.
      The clip screws on to the switch so that it cannot be switched on, it won't move with the clip on.
      The lock 🔒 prevents the screwdriver being able to get to the head of the screw.
      Be sure to like, share and subscribe to help the channel out.
      Thanks for watching 👍🏼

    • @alext9067
      @alext9067 5 років тому +2

      @@spendtimesavemoneydiy Oh, thank you. Are you saying that the switch has a threaded hole in it, or that the clip is clamped onto the switch with screw pressure?

    • @alext9067
      @alext9067 5 років тому +2

      @@thefowlyetti2 Ha! Thank you. That much I understand. But I couldn't see how it attached and how it was held with the screw. Thanks again.

    • @spendtimesavemoneydiy
      @spendtimesavemoneydiy  5 років тому +3

      thefowlyetti2 couldn't have put it better myself.
      Hope no one is trying to kill me! 🤣
      Thanks for watching 👍🏼

  • @5h4h1d
    @5h4h1d 2 роки тому +1

    Good man

    • @spendtimesavemoneydiy
      @spendtimesavemoneydiy  2 роки тому +1

      Glad you enjoyed my video.
      Thanks for watching and don't forget to check out my other videos and subscribe to help my channel grow 👍🏼

  • @jimbobentley
    @jimbobentley 4 роки тому +1

    I know brown should be in com but I don’t really get why it matters... one wire is permanent live and ones the switched return to the bulb. Why does it matter what way round the switch is?

  • @davidriseley6811
    @davidriseley6811 4 роки тому +1

    Hi, I have just opened the back of my plastic light switch its a 2 gangway, but all the wires are red, with black wires blanked off and a yellow and green earth at the back onto the metal casing is this normal?

    • @spendtimesavemoneydiy
      @spendtimesavemoneydiy  4 роки тому +1

      david riseley it doesn't sound normal.
      If in any doubt consult a qualified electrician. Better safe than sorry 👍🏼

    • @Christian-dc1sb
      @Christian-dc1sb 4 роки тому +1

      thats quite common - it will be feed to switch then switched line upto the fitting(s) with the neutrals linked in a connector of some sort

  • @bicwyzer
    @bicwyzer 2 роки тому +1

    thanks

    • @spendtimesavemoneydiy
      @spendtimesavemoneydiy  2 роки тому

      You're very welcome.
      Thanks for watching and don't forget to like and subscribe to help me out 👍🏼

  • @BodybuildingSteve
    @BodybuildingSteve 3 роки тому +1

    my light switch just has two red cables? how do i know which one goes where?

    • @spendtimesavemoneydiy
      @spendtimesavemoneydiy  3 роки тому +1

      Colour doesn't actually matter. Put one in each terminal and if the switch switches the wrong way swap the wires round.
      Hope this helps.
      Thanks for watching and don't forget to subscribe 👍🏼

  • @7Chariya7
    @7Chariya7 3 роки тому +1

    Why do metal light switches have an earth? Do you need to use this what could happen if you don’t, I don’t see the earth connection in plastic switches

    • @spendtimesavemoneydiy
      @spendtimesavemoneydiy  3 роки тому +2

      Plastic is not conducive whereas metal is. So metal plates need an earth and plastic ones don't.
      If a metal plate isn't earthed and there is a fault it is potentially fatal.
      Thanks for watching 👍🏼

  • @matthewcarr7952
    @matthewcarr7952 5 років тому +1

    I enjoy watching your videos, however the method to prove dead is wrong, that simply shows there is no power running through the switch. The black cable in this instance isn't a neutral, its a switch live. Also, you should have either cut that earth back, or at least tucked it into the earth sleeve. Fair play to show safe isolation though. Sorry to be critical, looking forward to the next video.

  • @rinico75
    @rinico75 Рік тому

    The wires are so short

  • @Hiccup77
    @Hiccup77 3 роки тому

    Well that couldnt be anymore dangerous. Loto was incorrect. The tester although has a self test, should still be an approved voltage indicator to GS38 with a seperate power source to test on.
    Teaching idiotic sheeple to start faffing around with electricity is just great. BS7671 Goes straight out of the window. A SKILLED person (qualified electrician) is the only person who should be completing the work. Amd what happened to the Minor electrical imstallation works certificate??? Any additions or alterations (including accessories) should be tested and signed off.