Loose light switch?

1) Why is my light switch loose?

There are a few reasons that a loose light switch  may have happened and many of these reasons have a simple solution. Most light switches are mounted in to a box that sits on the wall or in the wall of your property. These boxes are either metal or plastic in construction and provide a housing for the light switch to sit in and protect the cables from damage and people from electric shock risk. The boxes contain a couple of thread that enable screws to be inserted in order to hold the light switch in place. These threads can be damaged if the light switch is ever removed for any purpose such as decorating or plastering etc. When the threads become damaged they may not hold the screw in place anymore and as such the light switch will not be secured to the wall correctly. It is sometimes possible to repair a back box and make is usable again and able to hold a light switch in place. 

Sometimes the light switch may become loose if the back box becomes loose or loses its grip in the wall. Some back boxes are screwed in place and then plastered in which is normally the case in solid or masonry walls. If the wall is constructed of timber and plaster board then a different type of back box is normally used. These back boxes are plastic in construction and have lugs that hold them firmly against the plasterboard. These boxes are susceptible to loosening if the integrity of the plasterboard is affected by moisture or mechanical damage for instance. 

Occasionally a light switch may become loose if the screws that hold it in are damaged themselves. This will require new screws and possibly repair of the back box or repair of the receiving threads that accept the screws. 

An electrician can help with this. 

2) What can be done about a loose light switch

An electrician can diagnose the cause of the issue and repair or replace this for you. If the light switch is loose because the masonry behind it is not holding the wall plug in place anymore then there may be a bit more messing around involved but it is still repairable. The important thing with electrical installations is to not attempt any repairs unless you are suitably experienced and qualified to do so. Even seemingly simple repairs can present danger and only an experienced electrician can minimise risk and work safely. 

3) My light switch is hanging off what can I do?

If your light switch looks like the one in the picture then it is best to turn your electric supply off to the property and call and electrician. There are dangers present if a light switch is left in that state and a real risk of electric shock. The coloured insulation we see in the picture should NEVER be visible outside an electrical enclosure and the screw terminals that we see on display are live and will shock someone if they are touched. 
Turn the consumer unit / fuse board switches off and call an expert to help, if you can’t find anyone local then give us a call and we will see if we can attend. 

4) The lights are flickering and there is a popping sound.. help!

Popping electrical sounds are never good and this in an indication that something serious is wrong. Turn off the consumer unit / fuse board switches immediately and call and electrician to find out why. Common electrical incidents happen after decorating and painting has taken place as people often remove lights and light switches to paint and decorate around them. When they are screwed back it is easy to pinch and damage cables causing short circuits and fire risks. 

5) I want to decorate but need the switches and sockets removed first...

If you are planning on decorating and would like your electrical accessories removed then reinstalled afterwards, we can do this safely for you. We will test the circuit before we touch it to make sure that there are no faults and then after we have reinstalled everything we carry out further tests to ensure that we have not pinched cables or trapped anything that will cause damage. You will have peace of mind in our professional service.

6) The light switches need changing can you do this?

Yes we can do this for you. We can swap old or tired looking light switches or sockets for new looking ones and carry out the required testing to ensure that the work is done safely. It is best to contact us for a quote and let us know your requirements. 

7) I accidentally damaged a light switch can it be repaired?

Not normally. A light switch is a generally inexpensive item unless there is a particularly nice chrome or metal finish to it. In general it is much cheaper to replace these types of items that it is to attempt a repair on one. Light switches become worn with age anyway and it is a good idea to replace switches that have had extensive use or are several decades old. 

8) My actual light switch is loose, the switch part itself, what is this?

If the faceplate of the light is firmly fixed to the wall but the switch mechanism feels loose or spongy then it is likely that the light switch is damaged and will require replacing. These items are not designed to last forever and more so these days. It is quite common for modern style switches to go “spongy” and fail to turn on and off. The mechanism could fall to bits and expose live parts if the switch is left in continued use. Best to call an electrician to replace the part for you and carry out any necessary testing for safety at the same time. 

9) How much does it cost to replace a loose light switch?

This is a question for each individual electrician. For us we have a minimum charge which is subject to change. Our charges can be found on Google and on our website. Replacing a light switch would normally fall under our minimum charge which takes account of all of our operating costs and professional insurances. We are always happy to take on the small jobs for you and help out when you need us. Should you need us for a loose light switch or any other small, medium or large jobs then call us and we will be happy to help.