What it depends on
A two-gang switch controls two separate circuits in the light fitting. For that, two switched live wires have to run from the switch box to the light, not one. In many flats the cable to a single switch has three cores, with one spare. Then a swap is enough. If the cable only has two cores, a new one has to be run, which means chasing the wall or fitting trunking.
The light needs two circuits too. Many chandeliers have them split inside; some don’t. The manual will say, or the electrician can check while fitting it.
If there’s no spare core and you’d rather not chase the wall, there’s a workaround: a module inside the light, controlled by a remote or a phone, that splits the bulbs without a new cable. It works, but it’s a different job at a different price, and not every chandelier has room for one. Ask about it in the bid before deciding on the chase.
Legrand makes single, double, two-way and intermediate switches in several ranges, such as Valena Life or Céliane. Mechanism and frame are usually sold separately. If there are Legrand sockets nearby already, pick the same range and colour, or you’ll end up with two different whites on one wall.
What it costs and how to book: light fitting in Warsaw.
Mistakes that keep coming up
- Buying a double switch without checking the cable in the wall. The second rocker is there; the second circuit has no power.
- A chandelier without split circuits. A two-gang switch has nothing to split.
- Mixing up a double switch and a two-way switch. They look alike and work completely differently.
- Swapping it with the breaker on, since the light’s off anyway. The live in the switch box can still be live with the light off.
Legrand light switch replacement: getting ready
- Photograph the switch and the light, and the chandelier’s manual if you still have it.
- Say how you’d like the bulbs split.
- Find the breaker for the lighting in that room.
Flicking the switch off doesn’t take the power off the box. The work is done only with the breaker off and after checking with a tester, and if you don’t know how, leave it to an electrician.
How to book it
Describe what you want in the app and add photos. Electricians in Warsaw send bids with a price, sometimes with a question about the cable in the wall. You choose by price and reviews, and see contact details and the address after choosing. You pay the electrician directly, and he issues the invoice.
The switch, frame and any new cable are paid for separately from the labour. The electrician will put his own fitting right if something’s wrong. Old wiring hidden in the wall is not on him.
Order in the app
Describe the job, add photos and the address. Tradespeople send their own prices and dates, and you pick one of the offers.
Open the app
