Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi all! We have been experiencing an issue on site where threads have been missing the latest postings. The platform host Vanilla are working on this issue. A workaround that has been used by some is to navigate back from 1 to 10+ pages to re-sync the thread and this will then show the latest posts. Thanks, Mike.
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

Changing a light switch - not enough room?

  • 08-05-2021 4:50pm
    #1
    fjon
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,088 ✭✭✭


    I'm trying to change a light switch, and am finding there is not enough room due to the wires already in there. I'm plugging the two brown wires into the COM and the single brown one into L1, but I don't need the blue or yellow ones.
    Any hints on what I can do to make some room in here to fit the switch?

    odKWFhv.jpg


Comments

  • #2
    sundodger5
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,176 ✭✭✭sundodger5


    AFAIK you can get deeper back boxes.
    Looks like that is what you will need.


  • #3
    Cerco
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,044 ✭✭✭Cerco


    You can get deeper backing boxes but fitting one may be awkward depending on what is behind the existing one. Much depends on the wall construction.
    An easier solution but may not be aesthetically pleasing would be to use a surface mount back box over the existing one.
    Alternatively If the new switch will fit in the existing box without the neutral & earth wires then you could use a blanking plate over the existing one and fit a new backing box of the same size close to the now blanked one. You could use similar connectors to extend the wires to the new position.
    Perhaps you will get better advice from some of the electricians on here so wait for some more responses.


  • #4
    fjon
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,088 ✭✭✭fjon


    It's not clear from the picture, but the earth wire is not connected to anything. The 3 neutral wire connected to the plastic connector thing are what is causing the issue. I think the switch will fit in if this wasn't for this connector getting in the way. I don't suppose there is something I can get for these wires that would take up less space?


  • #5
    meercat
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,759 ✭✭✭meercat


    https://www.screwfix.ie/p/schneider-electric-lisse-1-gang-spacer-white/5782J?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIp-mXv-O68AIVWeDtCh0YNAWHEAQYASABEgIxMPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds


  • #6
    alan4cult
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,583 ✭✭✭alan4cult


    Yeah this is the issue with dimmer switches they need a deeper box.


  • Advertisement
  • #7
    fjon
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,088 ✭✭✭fjon


    meercat wrote: »
    https://www.screwfix.ie/p/schneider-electric-lisse-1-gang-spacer-white/5782J?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIp-mXv-O68AIVWeDtCh0YNAWHEAQYASABEgIxMPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

    This is perfect, thanks!


  • #8
    MercNS
    Registered Users Posts: 16 ✭MercNS


    Cut the top of the backbox and push the neutrals up behind the plaster board. They'll still be accessible if needed in future.


  • #9
    fjon
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,088 ✭✭✭fjon


    Got the spacer indicated above and it worked perfectly. It doesn't 100% match up with the shape of the switch, but it's close enough:
    iVv2rWy.jpg


Advertisement