How do I replace a switch?

First of all, a BIG WARNING! Electricity stings, it's DANGEROUS! So if you're 6 or even 10 years old, this tutorial isn't for you. And it's not for you if you're all thumbs either. Don't hesitate to ask for advice or help if you really want to take apart a light switch in your house.

Okay, that warning aside, there's no need to panic. It's not rocket science, and you certainly don't need to have graduated from Polytechnique or ENA to change a socket or a switch. I'd even go so far as to say it might be better if you didn't go to ENA.

Step number 1: I take stock of the situation

The first thing to know is what type of switch you're going to replace. Is it a single switch? A two-way switch? A relay switch? Okay, I feel like I've lost some of you already. If you're still confused at this point, write to me (bohemianchicinterior@gmail.com). I usually reply very quickly, and it's free!

In nine out of ten cases, the switch you're replacing will be mounted in a recessed box. This means the wires are inside the wall. The switch is fixed to a plastic box that is embedded in the wall.

Step number 2: I choose my FONTINI switch.

It's easy, just download the catalog and follow the instructions. Remember that for a recessed box, you need not only the switch but also the plate that goes underneath. You can refer to the back of the catalog to see the necessary assembly. Or, just write to me!

Step number 3: remove the old switch

We switch off the circuit breaker for the house, or at least the part controlled by the switch. It's fairly easy to find and it prevents the entire internet from going down...

Here is my old, ugly plastic switch after I popped off the plastic cover with a flathead screwdriver.

We'll take it apart gradually, confidently, without panicking; we'll get there.

Step 4: Install the new switch

Pro tip for those prone to clumsiness: The switches are made of porcelain. So they're very sturdy and scratch-resistant once installed. But they won't survive a fall onto your tile floor. So put a thick blanket on the floor to avoid disaster...

We start with the small metal adapter plate if we have chosen a surface mount like me.

Next, place the plaque (wood or porcelain). Be careful, if the plaque is porcelain, this is THE tricky part. You have to be very careful not to drop it. This might seem like silly advice, but believe me, even professionals make mistakes and break things.

After the plate, you put the plastic adapter and fix everything to the plastic box integrated into the wall (Easy!).

Then we connect it (here a two-way switch).

It's advisable to pause here. Take a step back and practice abdominal breathing. If you've reached this point, you can already be proud of yourself. But it's not quite finished yet. It still looks a bit like a construction site. Turn the power back on to test it. Be careful with the wires! If it works, congratulations! If it doesn't, check your wiring and try again.

There, it works. We can now turn off the power again and proceed with the final assembly of the porcelain switch body.

Caution: Do not overtighten the screws. Be gentle. Remember that porcelain is a brittle material.

And there you have it, it's finished, as simple as that!

If you also want to replace an old, ugly light switch with a new but very beautiful porcelain one, then you can send me a photo of the old one to bohemianchicinterior@gmail.com

All our switches are here: The FONTINI catalog