Replacing Wide Light Switch

[Bert]

One of the lights in our house was operated by a dimmer switch that is about twice as wide a normal light switch (14 cm rather than 8 cm). The dimmer unit has recently burned out. The unit must be 30 years old, so not likely to be replaceable. I don't want or need a dimmer switch for the room, so I'd like to put a simple switch plate on the box in the wall. Is it possible to buy a 14 cm wide single switch-plate? I know I could buy a three- or four-gang switch plate, and only connect wires to one of the switches, but I'd rather not, as it would seem a bit odd. I think I'd rather do that, though, than put a new smaller box in the wall and patch up the hole, which would then require painting the whole wall.

[The Builder]

You'll find a dimmer on this page, Bert............

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Wiring_Accessories_Menu_Index/Wiring_Accessories~Dimmers_All/Wiring_Accessories~Dimmers_1/index.html

Varilight VL91

Someone else might know, but I can't say I've ever come across a "2-gang" switch with only one gang, except for cooker switches

[heathfield]

How about using a single switch with a 'light switch finger plate' behind it to cover the gap? Any electrical retailer should have them, or Google for loads of links.

[Old_Geezer]

If the box in the wall is wider than you need, then get someone to replace it with a normal sized one for you. It's not difficult but around it the wall would probably need plastering and redecorating.