Light switch repair

A switch that sticks, needs pressing several times, sparks when flicked or has come out of the wall can usually be repaired or just have its mechanism replaced. Sometimes loose wires are heating the contact; sometimes the rocker is simply worn.

The price is per switch. A new mechanism, if needed, is charged separately as material.

What the repair covers

• switching off the circuit and testing it is dead;
• removing the plate and checking the mechanism;
• tightening or remaking the wire connections;
• resetting the switch in its box or replacing the mechanism;
• checking it works and the plate sits straight.

When to replace instead of repair

Scorch marks, melted plastic or crackling inside mean the mechanism should be replaced. It is worth choosing a new switch from the same range as the others so the plates match.

What to prepare

Describe what the switch is doing and add photos with and without the plate, if it can be removed safely. Give the brand and range if they are visible on the mechanism.

Common questions