Light switches, as a rule, have a significant operating reserve, so they do not have to be disassembled regularly.

However, if such a need does arise, then this should be done extremely carefully, and strictly following the sequence, so as not to damage the inside of the device, which is almost 90% plastic.

The first thing you should always do is, of course, turn off the electricity and only then start working. You will need the following tools:

• screwdriver - flat and Phillips;
• screwdriver - voltage indicator;
• portable light source.

Using a flat-head screwdriver, you need to remove the switch keys, for which we install its tip between the frame and one of the keys, on the top or bottom side.

With a little force and using a screwdriver as a lever, you need to pry up the key and use your fingers to remove it from the grooves. The second key can be removed without the help of a screwdriver.

Using the indicator, they verify that there is no voltage; to do this, be sure to apply a screwdriver to each of the contacts. If the switch is located in a dark place, use a light source to avoid damaging the equipment.

After removing the keys with the switch, you can perform any operations, even under voltage, naturally, observing the necessary precautions. They check the integrity of the contacts and the presence of voltage on them, after which they make a conclusion about the operability of the device.

When there is a need to dismantle the switch, for a more detailed inspection with disconnection from the network, or there is complete confidence If the device needs to be replaced, it is necessary to remove not only the keys, but also the retaining frame, which in turn holds the decorative frame.

To do this, you will need the same set of tools as in the previous case, however, if the switch is secured with Phillips screws, then you will also need a Phillips screwdriver.

The fixing frame is located immediately under the keys, and can be removed using the same flat-head screwdriver.

It is held with latches on the switch body, so you need to use a screwdriver to pry off the teeth without extra effort, since the frame is quite fragile, pull it towards you with your fingers. At the same time, it is necessary to hold the frame, since without a frame it can easily fall down.

Nowadays, quite often you can find a universal electrical installation design - a socket and a switch in one housing. This is very convenient, as it allows you to power an outlet from one incoming line, and immediately connect lighting fixtures by running the phase wire through the switch.

In the event of a breakdown, which, however, is extremely rare, the entire body is removed, but this is not very difficult, however, you need to know some features when removing such a structure.

Despite the fact that it is quite simple, in addition to the screw that secures the case near the socket connectors, the fixation is also made in the area of ​​the switch, under the key.

The first thing you need to do is remove the switch key by prying it up with a flat-head screwdriver, then unscrew the screws holding the housing that are located under it, as well as the screw on the socket.

It is enough to easily pull the housing towards you, and then inspect the socket and switch to find out the causes of the breakdown or dismantle the device altogether.

If you want the wallpaper to look beautiful on the wall, then before pasting the surface, remove all sockets and switches from it. No amount of precision will help you get around the fixtures without removing them - the wallpaper around the perimeter will be uneven, and after the repair there will be a bitter aftertaste.

Below brief instructions with a photo, after spending 5 minutes on it, you will not receive an electric shock, and the wallpaper will look beautiful in the interior of the apartment.

Step one - preparation

Sockets/switches are removed immediately before wallpapering; there is no need to do this in advance, as you can get an electric shock when turning on the lights or, as an alternative, sit in the dark with electrical appliances turned off.

1. Removing old wallpaper
2. Prepare the wall (if necessary),
3. Prepare glue and cut new wallpaper,
4. Turn off the light on the meter,
5. Removing sockets
6. Wallpaper is being glued.

This way you can avoid some inconveniences and the use of swear words when becoming closely acquainted with the discovery of Alexander Volta.

The tools you will need are a flathead and a Phillips screwdriver.

Step two - removing the switch

Let us remind you that we remove, not dismantle, sockets and switches, so it is important to keep them intact unless replacement is planned. Using the example of a one-button model of a Legrand Etika switch, the essence remains the same for other mechanisms.

First, remove the button, for which we use a flat screwdriver or a sharp knife. We insert the screwdriver into the gap between the button and the switch frame, pressing the pressure panel until the fastening tendril comes out of the side hole. Do not overdo it - you need to press the button until the tendril comes out - no more, no less.

Now we remove the protective panel, which provides access to the wires and the main fasteners of the switch. To do this, unscrew 1-2 screws at the top and bottom and hook the protection with a screwdriver. The protective panel presses the switch frame to the wall; after removing the first one, the second one is automatically released and removed.

If the switch or socket has been standing for a long time and has begun to wobble, then at this stage the mechanism is secured. To do this, after removing the protective panel and frame, tighten the two main fastening screws. They are located on the sides of the push mechanism in the switch or to the right and left of the plug input in the socket. Tighten the screws sparing no effort – it is difficult to remove them.

There is no need to completely remove the light switch mechanism– just remove the button, protective panel and front frame!

Now all that remains is to glue the wallpaper, cutting the wallpaper sheets on the switch so that they extend 1 cm inside the perimeter of the switch, and install the mechanism back in the reverse order - the outer frame, fastening the protective panel with two screws and installing the button until it clicks.

1. If you remove but do not replace switches, wash the button and top panel with soap and water after removal. Even a good housewife's switches become dirty over time, and it is impossible to thoroughly clean them on the wall.
2. If the walls were not wet when removing old wallpaper and there are no small children at home, then do not turn off the lights when removing switches and sockets - do this immediately before pasting, when the wet sheets become a current conductor.

Most often, the need to disassemble a light switch occurs when it fails. Although the design of the product is quite simple, sometimes manufacturers (mainly Legrand, Schneider, Viko) make the dismantling holes invisible in order to improve the design. The result may be accidental damage to the case or a long time spent searching for clamps and connectors. So that readers of "" do not encounter such an absurd situation, we recommend that you view the detailed instructions for disassembling the case with your own hands.

So, in the starting position you have rocker switch, securely fastened inside the groove. First, prepare a tool to quickly disassemble the case - an indicator screwdriver, which will be quite sufficient.

Instructions for disassembling a light switch in an apartment are as follows:

1. Disconnect the circuit breaker that protects the electrical wiring from network overloads and short circuits.
   
2. Make sure there is no electricity in the room using an indicator screwdriver.
   
3. Remove the key(s). It doesn’t matter which one you use: single-key, double or three-key. To remove the key, you need to squeeze it with your fingers on the sides (in the middle) and carefully remove it from the case (as shown in the photo). Sometimes the part “sits” firmly inside the case and in order to get it out you need to pry off one of the edges with a screwdriver.
   
4. Remove the decorative frame. In some cases, the frame is secured with two bolts from the inside; less often, the part is held in place by grooves that need to be lightly pressed with a screwdriver to disassemble the electrical accessories. Another option for fixing the frame is using additional element, which is mounted in the grooves of the caliper.
   
5. Remove the “core” from the socket. There are two screws on the sides of the case that secure the mechanism to the wall. All you need to do is unscrew them with a screwdriver. There is another option for holding the case in the socket box - with spreading legs. They need to be loosened by unscrewing the bolts on the sides that adjust the thrust angle.
   
6. Disconnect the lead wires. Phase, ground and neutral can be secured with self-clamping terminals or a screw clamp. In the first case, you just need to press the locking levers and pull the wires out of the connectors. The screw terminals must be unscrewed with a screwdriver and the wires carefully removed.
   

That's all the instructions for disassembling the light switch. As you can see, there is nothing complicated in such an event.

Visual video lessons will allow you to see in more detail all the stages of unwinding:

Video instructions: how to disassemble a single-key and two-gang switch Sveta

Usually, disassembling a light switch in an apartment is required when it breaks, that is, to replace it with a new one. Some manufacturers, in order to improve the decorative effect of the element, make the holes for dismantling invisible, these are mainly brands: Legrand, Schneider, Viko. Because of this, a person who decides to do repairs may accidentally damage the case or spend a long time looking for clamps and connectors. The article will present detailed instructions for removing the switch and socket.

How to disassemble a switch

So, in the initial position there is a key switch, which is firmly fixed inside the groove. First of all, you need to prepare a tool in order to disassemble the case - a screwdriver with an indicator, it will be enough.

The external light switch is disassembled as follows:

1. It is necessary to turn off the circuit breaker, which protects the wiring from electrical overloads and short circuits.
2. Before dismantling, you need to make sure that there is no light in the house. And only after that you need to use a screwdriver with an indicator.
3. Next, you need to dismantle the key if the switch is one-key or the keys if it is three-key or two-key. It doesn't matter what type of product is disassembled. To remove the key, you need to squeeze it with your hand from the sides (in the middle) and carefully remove it from the case. Sometimes the element “sits” firmly in the inside of the case, and in order to pull it out, you need to pick up one of the edges with a screwdriver.
4. The next step is to remove the decorative frame and cover from the wall. Sometimes it is attached to two miniature bolts from the inside; less often, the frame is held in place by grooves that must be gently pressed with a screwdriver to remove the fittings. Another option for attaching electrical accessories is using an additional element that is attached to the grooves of the caliper.
5. Next, you need to pull out the “core” from the socket box. There are two screws on the sides of the case that hold the mechanism on a vertical surface. All you need to do is unscrew them using an indicator screwdriver. There is another option for holding the case in the socket box - with claws. They need to be loosened by slightly unscrewing the bolts on the sides that are responsible for adjusting the thrust angle.
6. The next step is to disconnect the input wires. Phase, ground and neutral can be fixed to self-clamping terminals or to a screw terminal. In the first case, you just need to press the locking levers and remove the wires from the connectors. The clamp screws must be unscrewed using an indicator screwdriver and the wiring carefully removed.

That's all, there is nothing complicated, the switch has been removed from the wall.

Safety rules: how to remove the switch

2 main types of fastener designs have been developed for vertical surface inside the building, which differ: for hidden and for external electrical wiring.

To avoid the following errors::

1. Short circuit.
2. Failure of expensive lamps, energy-saving, LED or fluorescent light bulbs.
3. Insulation burnout in the distributor or wall.
4. Electric shock, which can be fatal.

Necessary: ​​study the basic rules of safety measures. Before removing the switch, you need to familiarize yourself in detail with the design of the wall mounting and connection. Products for external electrical wiring are attached with traditionally standard fasteners; through the mounting holes, the housing is tightly attached to the vertical surface.

For internal wiring models Electric, Makel, Nilson or another brand, wall mounting technologies are more complex.

The design of the switch contains a mechanism of sliding bars, which create a fixation of the housing on two opposite sides in a hole made in advance with a size of 6.7-7 cm. Regardless of the type of switch and the purpose for which it needs to be removed, first of all on the distributor in the panel, it is necessary to turn off the protective machine. This must be done for safety reasons so that the person doing the dismantling or repair is not struck by an electric current.

You need to make sure that the shutdowns are performed correctly; to do this, you need to press the keys several times; the lamps should not light up. According to the requirements of the PUE, a warning sign must be installed on the circuit breaker in the distributor. Better yet, close the cabinet completely and take the keys for yourself while you work, so that strangers do not have access to switchboard. Only by following this rule can you begin to disassemble the Legrand switch or any other (single, triple, double).

Methods: how to remove a switch from the wall

Before you start a very complex scheme connections electrical appliances must be de-energized at 100%, no exceptions.

Failure to comply with safety regulations may result in:

1. Hit electric shock, as a result of injury, death.
2. Failure of expensive electrical appliances due to a short circuit in the network.
3. Insulation breakdown electrical wiring, switching fittings in the panel, resulting in a fire.

It is imperative that measures be taken to prevent accidental activation.

Removing the keys: how to remove the switch for wallpapering

To remove the wallpaper switch, you will need tools.

Namely:

• Screwdriver – plus and minus;
• Indicator screwdriver;
• Portable lighting device.

Using a negative screwdriver, you need to remove the switch keys, for which you need to install its tip between the frame and one of the keys, above or below. With a little effort and using a screwdriver as a lever, you need to pry up the key and help with your hand to pull it out of the grooves. The second key can be removed freely. Using an indicator screwdriver, you need to make sure that there is no electrical voltage; to do this, it must be applied to each of the electrical contacts. If the switch is located in a dark place, you should use a flashlight or other portable light source so as not to damage the switch and special equipment.

After removing the keys, you can carry out any manipulations with the device, even under electrical voltage, naturally, observing the required safety measures.

They check the integrity of the electrical contacts and the presence of electrical voltage on them, after which they make a conclusion about whether the device is in working condition. When there is a need to dismantle the switch, for a more detailed inspection with disconnection from the power supply, or there is 100% confidence that the device needs to be replaced, then you should remove not only the keys, but also the retaining frame, which in turn holds the decorative frame. To do this, you need the same set of tools, but if the switch is attached using Phillips bolts, then in addition you will need to use a positive screwdriver.

The locking frame is located immediately below the keys, and can be removed using a minus screwdriver. It is attached to latches, they are present on the switch body, so you need to pry the teeth with a screwdriver and pull it towards you by hand. Once you have managed to open and remove it, you can begin decorating the room. After gluing, you need to assemble the switch. Assembly is carried out in reverse order.

Step by step: how to disassemble a socket

Disassembling a socket is a fairly easy process, not like repairing a Gazelle, for example, or morphemic analysis of a word in Russian.

Actions:

1. De-energize indoor space, in which the electrical outlet will be disassembled.
2. Next, you need to take a screwdriver in your hands and unscrew the screw between the 2 plug holes - this is according to the standard. On the most modern sockets, this screw may be hidden under an overhead decorative panel.
3. Next, you will need to unscrew 2 more screws that are responsible for the “antennae” of the sockets.
4. The next step is to pull the socket out of the niche in which it “sits” and disconnect the socket from the electrical cable (wire) by loosening the terminals, using the same screwdriver.

That's all, the socket is disassembled. When all manipulations with the device are completed, you can assemble it back or put it new socket, to plug.

How to remove a switch from the wall (video)

If you are not sure about own strength, it’s right to contact a professional. Electricity is no joke.

To replace electrical wiring or due to some malfunction, it is sometimes necessary to remove the light switch. This work is not difficult to perform, but requires care and strict adherence to the rules. Special attention should pay attention to safety by de-energizing electrical network in an apartment or private house before removing the switch.

Actions in case of malfunction

First you need to determine the location of the fault. If the switch keys are difficult to move or there is a burning smell in the air, the source of the problem is clear. If there are no obvious signs of damage, you need to look at the location of the circuit breakers in the electrical panel on landing. The cause of the problem is often the pampering of children, the malicious actions of neighbors, or a regular power surge, as a result of which the apartment was left without power supply.

It is necessary to turn on the machine in the switchboard and test the operation lighting fixtures. If spontaneous shutdown occurs again, the reason is most likely short circuit. In a switch, a short circuit occurs only in cases where the device is located above a live conductor. To make a circuit, a condition is necessary: ​​the wire must not only be exposed, but also engage the switch contacts.

Checking the lamp and socket

Before disassembling the light switch, it is necessary to check the functionality of the lighting devices, including the contacts of the tab and the tightness of its installation. Statistically, problems with light bulbs or sockets are much more likely than a malfunctioning light switch. Lamps and sockets have significantly shorter service life compared to switches, so the risk of their failure is higher.

It is recommended to check the presence of phase current in various switch positions using an indicator screwdriver. In past decades, electricians did not see much difference where to install the switch - before or after the load. Currently, the preferred location for installing switches is the phase, leading conductor. If a difference during switching on is noted by the tester, there is no break in the electrical circuit - it is necessary to look for other causes of the problem.

Dismantling tools

If the problem is still in the light switch, you need to prepare the tools for the job.

You will need the following tools and materials:

• screwdrivers (phillips and flathead);
• pliers with insulated handles;
• knife with plastic handle;
• voltage indicator;
• insulating tape.

Should be prepared workplace. It should be well lit. Since the power needs to be turned off, you will need a flashlight. Another option is to work in daytime in natural light.

There is a lot of dust inside electrical structures. To avoid staining interior items, it is recommended to move them away from the switch or cover them with plastic wrap.

Power outage

Before dismantling the switch, you need to turn off the power supply in the apartment or house. This is done in the electrical panel. Usually the shield is located on staircase or inside the apartment - at front door. If you are not sure which switch belongs to a particular room, it is better to turn off all the existing ones. Otherwise, there is a high risk of electric shock.

The lever is automatically turned to the lower position. When the power is turned off, you should double-check the presence of voltage with the indicator.

Removing the key

The process of removing the switch begins with removing the key. Without this, it will not be possible to continue dismantling work.

Removing the key is not difficult, but the specific steps may vary depending on the design of the switch, so you should carefully study the mechanism of a particular device.

The easiest method for removing a key is to pull it towards you. This is usually enough to remove the button.

In some models, simply pulling the key will not help. Dismantling of such switches is carried out by prying with a screwdriver the special connectors available on the side parts of the device.

Advice! When dismantling a key with a screwdriver, the applied forces must be calculated, otherwise it is easy to damage the switch structure.

Removing the frame

When disassembling the switch, you will need to remove the frame. Among the most common types of frames are:

1. Screw. Usually held on by screws. Removable with a screwdriver.
2. Clamping. These models have special clamps. To remove the frame, just bend the clamps. It is recommended to remove the sides of the frame one by one, and not all at once, so as not to damage the structure.

Switch disassembly

Most switch models are equipped with spacer-type fastenings. As soon as the fastening is released, the switch will easily move out of the socket.

Disconnecting wiring

On many types of switches, most of the wires are held in place by the use of bolts. To disconnect the wires, you just need to loosen the wires and pull the switch in your direction.

This completes the removal of the switch. You should remember the sequence of operations performed: if the internal mechanisms are in order (parts are not melted), the device will need to be assembled in the reverse order. If mechanical damage is found, there is no point in restoring the switch - it’s easier to go to the store and buy a new one.