Replace a light switch

Replace a light switch in Truro

County: Cornwall

Replacing a light switch is a common home maintenance task that most UK homeowners encounter at some point. It may be necessary if a switch is faulty, damaged, or simply outdated and no longer fits your décor. Sometimes, it’s part of a larger electrical upgrade or refurbishment. A faulty or broken switch can be inconvenient and, in rare cases, potentially hazardous. Although changing a light switch might seem straightforward, it’s essential to ensure it’s done safely and in line with UK electrical safety standards, including Part P of the Building Regulations, which covers electrical installations in domestic properties.

Open full page →

⭐ Introduction

Although changing a light switch might seem straightforward, it’s essential to ensure it’s done safely and in line with UK electrical safety standards, including Part P of the Building Regulations, which covers electrical installations in domestic properties.

🔧 What the job involves

Replacing a light switch essentially means removing the existing switch and installing a new one in its place. The main steps include:

Safely isolating the electrical circuit at the consumer unit (fuse box) to prevent any risk of electric shock.
Removing the switch’s faceplate and disconnecting the wiring.
Inspecting the wiring for any damage or wear.
Connecting the wires to the new switch in the correct configuration (live, neutral, earth where applicable).
Securing the new switch onto the back box and refitting the faceplate.
Testing the new switch to make sure the light operates correctly and safely.

Depending on the age of your property or the installation, the work might also involve minor remedial actions, such as replacing screws or fixing a damaged back box (the mounting point behind the switch).

📝 Step-by-step from booking to completion

Initial enquiry: Contact a qualified electrician to discuss your needs and provide basic details about the switch and location.
Survey and quote: The electrician may visit your home to inspect the switch and wiring, then provide a written quote.
Scheduling the job: Agree on a date and time that suits you for the replacement work.
Preparation: On the day, ensure easy access to the switch and clear the area around your fuse box for safe isolation.
Isolation of power: The electrician will switch off the relevant circuit at the consumer unit.
Removal of old switch: Carefully undo screws, disconnect cables, and remove the faulty switch.
Installation of new switch: Fit and wire the new switch correctly, securing it in place.
Testing: The electrician will turn the power back on and test the switch functions as expected.
Cleanup: Any packaging or old parts are cleared away and responsibly disposed of.
Documentation: You should receive any relevant certificates or paperwork, especially if the work falls under Part P regulations.
Payment and follow-up: Settle the invoice and clarify any maintenance or warranty details with your electrician.

💷 Main costs to expect

Labour: Typically charged hourly or as a fixed fee; expect around £50–£80 per hour.
Materials/parts: A standard light switch costs between £5 and £15 depending on style and quality.
Extras: If wiring needs repair or the back box replacement is necessary, additional fees will apply.
Disposal: Usually included in the labour cost; old parts disposed of safely.
Certification: If the work is notifiable under Part P, a certificate may cost £50–£80 (sometimes included in the quote).

Example:

Labour (1 hour): £60
New switch: £10
Certification: £60
Total: £130 (excluding VAT if applicable)

📊 What affects the price

Access to the switch: Hard-to-reach or awkward locations can increase time and cost.
Switch type: Standard toggle switches are cheaper than dimmers or smart switches.
Wiring condition: Older or faulty wiring may need upgrading, which adds cost.
Part P notification: Certification adds to the time and cost (unless the electrician is registered with a competent person scheme).
Remedial work: Repairing damage to the wall or back box increases cost.
Location: Prices vary across regions and between urban and rural areas.
Timescale: Urgent or out-of-hours work usually costs more.

⏱ How long does it take?

Straightforward replacement: Around 30 minutes to 1 hour. This is typical for a standard switch with sound wiring and easy access.
Complex or multiple switches: 1–2 hours, especially if wiring repairs or back box changes are required.
Upgrading to dimmer or smart switch: May take a bit longer, typically 1–1.5 hours, to ensure proper setup.

🏠 Can you DIY it?

While changing a light switch may appear simple, DIY is generally not recommended for most homeowners due to safety and legal reasons:

Safety risks: Electric shock or fire hazards if the circuit is not properly isolated or wiring is incorrectly connected.
Part P regulations: Electrical work involving fixed wiring in homes often requires notification and certification. Non-compliant work can invalidate home insurance.
Lack of expertise: Identifying wiring faults or ensuring switch compatibility requires experience.

If you feel confident and have a strong understanding of electrical systems, and the switch simply needs swapping (with power off at the consumer unit), you might proceed with caution. However, for any doubts or uncertified work, hire a Gas Safe or NICEIC registered electrician.

💰 Typical UK price range

Replacing a light switch usually costs between £100 and £180 including parts, labour, and certification where applicable. This is a rough estimate for standard switches in typical locations.

Please note, prices vary by region and provider. VAT at 20% may be added depending on your electrician’s status.

✅ Handy tips before you start

Prepare the area: Clear furniture or items around the switch and consumer unit to give the electrician easy access.
Check your fuse box: Know where your consumer unit is and identify the correct switch for isolation to speed up the job.
Keep paperwork safe: Retain any certificates or reports related to the work for insurance and future reference.
Consider matching: If replacing multiple switches, choose matching styles and brands for a uniform look.
Aftercare: Ask your electrician about warranty and what to do if any issues arise post-installation.
Part P compliance: Verify that your electrician will issue appropriate certification or notify Building Control where applicable.

By planning ahead and choosing a qualified professional, your light switch replacement will be safe, efficient, and compliant with UK standards.

Checkatrade Which? Trusted Traders TrustATrader MyBuilder Rated People

Other electricians projects in Truro

Appliance Repair
Appliance Repair by a vetted local pro.
Bathroom TV Installation
Bathroom TV Installation by a vetted local pro.
Ceiling Fan Installation
Ceiling Fan Installation by a vetted local pro.
Chandelier Installation
Chandelier Installation by a vetted local pro.
Change a hard wired appliance point to a normal power socket
Change a hard wired appliance point to a normal power socket by a vetted local pro.
Connect a cooker or other appliance to an existing hard-wired power outlet
Connect a cooker or other appliance to an existing hard-wired power outlet by a vetted local pro.
Cooker Hood Repair
Cooker Hood Repair by a vetted local pro.
Diagnose and fix an electrical fault
Diagnose and fix an electrical fault by a vetted local pro.
Dimmer Switches Installation
Dimmer Switches Installation by a vetted local pro.
Disconnect a hard-wired cooker or other appliance
Disconnect a hard-wired cooker or other appliance by a vetted local pro.
Do one hour’s electrical work
Do one hour’s electrical work by a vetted local pro.
Drive Over Lights
Drive Over Lights by a vetted local pro.
EICR: Electrical Inspection Condition Report
EICR: Electrical Inspection Condition Report by a vetted local pro.
EPC Certificate
EPC Certificate by a vetted local pro.
Electric Blind
Electric Blind by a vetted local pro.
Electric Car Charger Installation
Electric Car Charger Installation by a vetted local pro.
Electric Fire Installation
Electric Fire Installation by a vetted local pro.
Electric Shower
Electric Shower by a vetted local pro.
Electrical Safety Check
Electrical Safety Check by a vetted local pro.
Electrical Wall Box
Electrical Wall Box by a vetted local pro.
Electrician Hourly Rate
Electrician Hourly Rate by a vetted local pro.
Emergency Electrician
Emergency Electrician by a vetted local pro.
Ethernet and Phone Lines
Ethernet and Phone Lines by a vetted local pro.
Extend wiring for new light where there hasn’t been one before
Extend wiring for new light where there hasn’t been one before by a vetted local pro.
Fire Suppression System
Fire Suppression System by a vetted local pro.
Fit switched fused spur for boiler or other appliance
Fit switched fused spur for boiler or other appliance by a vetted local pro.
Fix a light or light switch which isn’t working properly
Fix a light or light switch which isn’t working properly by a vetted local pro.
Fix a socket which isn’t working
Fix a socket which isn’t working by a vetted local pro.
Fix a tripping fusebox
Fix a tripping fusebox by a vetted local pro.
Fix an electric heater
Fix an electric heater by a vetted local pro.
Fix an extractor fan
Fix an extractor fan by a vetted local pro.
Fix an intercom which isn’t working correctly
Fix an intercom which isn’t working correctly by a vetted local pro.
Fix or replace bathroom pull switch
Fix or replace bathroom pull switch by a vetted local pro.
Hive Installation
Hive Installation by a vetted local pro.
Home Cinema
Home Cinema by a vetted local pro.
Home Generator Installation
Home Generator Installation by a vetted local pro.
Home Lift
Home Lift by a vetted local pro.
Indoor Lights Decor
Indoor Lights Decor by a vetted local pro.
Install Hot Tub power
Running a Hot Tub by a vetted local pro.
Install Recessed Lighting
Installing Recessed Lighting by a vetted local pro.
Install Smart Garage Door Opener
Smart Garage Door Opener by a vetted local pro.
Install Smart Lighting
Smart Lighting by a vetted local pro.
Install Under-Cabinet Lighting
Installing Under-Cabinet Lighting by a vetted local pro.
Install a Smart Meter
Smart Meter by a vetted local pro.
Install a light (to existing wiring)
Install a light (to existing wiring) by a vetted local pro.
Install a nest thermostat
Install a nest thermostat by a vetted local pro.
Install a new power outlet for a cooker or other hard-wired appliance and connect the appliance
Install a new power outlet for a cooker or other hard-wired appliance and connect the appliance by a vetted local pro.
Install an additional aerial socket
Install an additional aerial socket by a vetted local pro.
Install an additional light switch
Install an additional light switch by a vetted local pro.
Install an additional power socket
Install an additional power socket by a vetted local pro.
Install earth bonding
Install earth bonding by a vetted local pro.
Install new power outlet for a cooker or other hard-wired appliance and connect the appliance
Install new power outlet for a cooker or other hard-wired appliance and connect the appliance by a vetted local pro.
Install new smoke or heat detector
Install new smoke or heat detector by a vetted local pro.
Install or replace a Fusebox
Install or replace a Fusebox by a vetted local pro.
Lawn Mower Repair
Lawn Mower Repair by a vetted local pro.
Loss of power
Loss of power by a vetted local pro.
Motion Sensor Lights Installation
Motion Sensor Lights Installation by a vetted local pro.
Move a light
Move a light by a vetted local pro.
Move a light switch
Move a light switch by a vetted local pro.
Move a power socket
Move a power socket by a vetted local pro.
Move a smoke or heat detector
Move a smoke or heat detector by a vetted local pro.
Move an Electric Meter
Moving an Electric Meter by a vetted local pro.
Move an aerial socket
Move an aerial socket by a vetted local pro.
Move an electric heater
Move an electric heater by a vetted local pro.
Move an intercom handset
Move an intercom handset by a vetted local pro.
New Electric Fuse Box
New Electric Fuse Box by a vetted local pro.
New Plug Sockets
New Plug Sockets by a vetted local pro.
Outdoor Cinema
Outdoor Cinema by a vetted local pro.
Outdoor Lights
Outdoor Lights by a vetted local pro.
Outdoor Socket Installation
Outdoor Socket Installation by a vetted local pro.
Oven Installation
Oven Installation by a vetted local pro.
Oven Repair
Oven Repair by a vetted local pro.
PIV Installation
PIV Installation by a vetted local pro.
Parking Sensor Installation
Parking Sensor Installation by a vetted local pro.
Portable Appliance Testing
Portable Appliance Testing by a vetted local pro.
Projector Installation
Projector Installation by a vetted local pro.
Repair or fix a fire alarm or fire alarm system
Repair or fix a fire alarm or fire alarm system by a vetted local pro.
Replace Circuit Breakers
Replacing Circuit Breakers by a vetted local pro.
Replace a fire alarm/smoke detector
Replace a fire alarm/smoke detector by a vetted local pro.
Replace a power socket
Replace a power socket by a vetted local pro.
Replace an aerial socket
Replace an aerial socket by a vetted local pro.
Replace an electric fire
Replace an electric fire by a vetted local pro.
Replace an electric heater
Replace an electric heater by a vetted local pro.
Replace an extractor fan
Replace an extractor fan by a vetted local pro.
Replace an intercom handset
Replace an intercom handset by a vetted local pro.
Rewire a House
Rewire a House by a vetted local pro.
Roof Heating Cable Installation
Roof Heating Cable Installation by a vetted local pro.
Smart Home Installation
Smart Home Installation by a vetted local pro.
Smart Plugs
Smart Plugs by a vetted local pro.
Smart Speakers
Smart Speakers by a vetted local pro.
Smoke Alarm Installation
Smoke Alarm Installation by a vetted local pro.
Solar Battery
Solar Battery by a vetted local pro.
Solar Panel Installation
Solar Panel Installation by a vetted local pro.
Solar Panel Maintenance
Solar Panel Maintenance by a vetted local pro.
Stairlift Installation
Stairlift Installation by a vetted local pro.
Storage Heaters
Storage Heaters by a vetted local pro.
TV Aerial Installation
TV Aerial Installation by a vetted local pro.
TV Screen Repair
TV Screen Repair by a vetted local pro.
Wind Turbine Installation
Wind Turbine Installation by a vetted local pro.
Wireless Light Switch
Wireless Light Switch by a vetted local pro.

Are you a Tradesperson or business owner?

Grow your business with Fixington — tools and services for electricians, plumbers and heating engineers.

1) Fixington app

Estimate, schedule and invoice on the go with our iPhone app and web tools.

More info Buy

2) Fixdd job management

Manage jobs from quote to invoice, take card payments, and keep customers updated.

Visit fixdd.com

3) Get listed on Fixington

Appear where customers are searching. Showcase reviews and get discovered locally.

See all services for tradespeople