Light switches

[Booldawg]

I'm about to decorate a house I move into 6 months ago. The previous occupants had weird ideas on how to paint a room and have painted over all the light switches and wall sockets with emulsion paint. This will be a nightmare to get the paint off so I've decided its best to replace the sockets.

I know about fuse boxes and how to isolate the sockets and or light switches. How easy is it to take away the old sockets and put new ones in -are they a standard size, will the holes meet up etc?

[buildersmate]

Its very easy assuming you are in the UK and these are the square (or rectangular) sockets and switches. The two screw holes will align to the box in the back. Suggest you write a list of what colours went to what terminal identity as you remove them (more important with the double/triple light switches that can be confusing). Suggest you buy a decent brand - MK, Legrand or Crabtree and go to an electrical factor (Newey & Aire, TLC or similar and hassle for a volume discount). Not DIY sheds where you will pay a fortune. On the more exotic/expensive switches (e.g. cooker) it may be cost effective to try painting the front with paint stripper to avoid having to replace (remove switch first before trying this).

[lord molly]

all u gotta do i unscrew the socket and then un screw the wires (assuming you have isolated them). then, simpaly fit a new socket.

[Booldawg]

thanks for the answers, I'm in the UK and most of thew sockets are single switches. Most of the boxes are recessed into the wall so I only have to buy the covers, only one will need the box. I may also invest in one of those screwdrivers that glow if current is still there!

[JudgeJ]

I defintely recommend using a mains tester that you describe, Booldawg. They only cost about a fiver and will enable you to test your sockets and switches for the presence of mains current before you put your wet fingers on the connections!

[Tweed]

Mains testers are not always reliable. Once the socket is off the wall, it's not too difficult to remove emulsion with a damp sponge, if you want don't want to go down the road of buying new ones. Just make sure sockets are dry before reconnecting