Fix a light switch

LAST UPDATED: 11th January 2023 by The Editorial Team

Light switch on a wall

Summary: Step by step guide and video showing how to fix a light switch, replace a broken faceplate, re-thread a mounting box and re-position a loose wall socket.

How to fix a light switch

Make a note of which terminals the colour-coded cores connect to so you know where to reconnect them on the new faceplate.

Replacing a broken faceplate

  • Cut off the power supply to the relevant circuit from the consumer unit.
  • Unscrew the faceplate, and pull it gently away from the wall.
  • Make a note of which terminals the colour-coded cores connect to so you know where to reconnect them on the new faceplate.
  • Release the cores and remove the faceplate.
  • If the earth core is bare, slide some green-and-yellow insulating sheath over the end so it can be clearly identified in the future.
  • Reconnect the cores to the new faceplate. If you have a metal mounting box ensure the earth core is connected to earth terminals in both the switch and the mounting box. With plastic mounting boxes, the earth cable should be connected in a plastic strip connector.
  • Screw the faceplate into place.

Re-threading a mounting box

If the screws were cross-threaded when the faceplate was originally fitted it will be necessary to re-thread the fixing lugs in the mounting box before fitting a new faceplate.

  • Cut off the power supply to the relevant circuit from the consumer unit.
  • Unscrew the faceplate and using a tool called a re-threader cut a new thread in the fixing lugs situated in the mounting box.
  • Screw the new faceplate in position using new screws.

Re-positioning a loose wall socket

If a wall socket has come loose from the wall, you will need to move the mounting box slightly and screw it to the wall using fresh holes.

  • Cut off the power supply to the relevant circuit from the consumer unit.
  • Unscrew the faceplate, and pull it gently away from the wall.
  • Unscrew the screws fixing the mounting box to the wall to remove the old wall plugs.
  • Move the mounting box slightly to one side and mark the position for the new fixing holes.
  • Drill the new holes and insert new wall plugs.
  • Screw the mounting box to the wall and replace the faceplate.

Tools Needed

  • Insulated screwdriver
  • Re-threader
  • Power drill
  • Masonry bit

Materials needed

  • Yellow-and-green sheathing
  • Plastic strip connectors
  • Screws
  • Wall plugs

Important note

The colour-coding system for electric cable changed in 2006, make sure you read Electric cable and flex to view the new information.

How to change a light switch video

Author

The Editorial Team

The Editorial Team at lets-do-diy.com are a team of experts led by Mark Wilson. We have been creating DIY projects, articles, costs guides and product reviews since 2008. For more info see our about page.