The switches have a fairly long service life, which allows you to refrain from regular repairs and disassembly of the structure. But if, nevertheless, such a need has arisen, the dismantling work must be done extremely carefully, adhering to the algorithm. Otherwise, the likelihood of damage to the structure and its parts increases significantly, since 90% of the switches are made of plastic.
Reasons for dismantling the switch
Switches, if you treat them with care, will last for more than one year, perhaps a dozen years. Most often, the need to dismantle the device appears during repairs. Switches and sockets are removed from the wall so that the latter can be putty, level, paint, glue, etc.
The second common reason is device failure. Before dismantling the switch, it is important to make sure that the problem lies in it.
There is a large assortment of outlets and switches that are designed in different styles. Taking advantage of this, households are replacing traditional electrical appliances with new, more creative ones.
Tools and materials
Before removing the switch from the wall, you need to prepare the required work equipment. For repair you will need:
- a knife for removing the insulating layer;
- indicator screwdriver equipped with a rubberized handle;
- sandpaper;
- Phillips screwdriver
- insulating tape.
When working with electrical appliances, it is important to observe personal safety precautions. Dismantling is carried out in personal protective equipment, pre-checking the voltage in the work area.
Breaker dismantling steps
The dismantling algorithm for all types of switches is the same. To avoid difficulties in the process, you need to follow the technology and act consistently.
Preparation
First you need to make sure that the cause of the flickering light or its absence is in the switch. To do this, check the lighting in the adjacent rooms. If there is no light in the entire apartment or house, the permissible load on the electrical network may have been exceeded. This is due to the simultaneous switching on of devices: an iron, a kettle, a microwave oven, a refrigerator, a water heater. In this case, you need to check the introductory machine.
If there is no light in only one room, the list of possible causes is narrowed. The first step is to make sure that the bulb is intact and that the cartridge is working. If the lighting fixture is working properly, it remains to dismantle the switch and study it carefully.
First, you need to determine the type of switch. Devices are divided into the following types:
- one-key, double and three-key;
- checkpoint;
- Dimmer;
- pulse;
- sensory.
The most common switches in Russia are keyboards.
Disconnection of the mains voltage
Turn off the electricity before pulling the switch out of the wall. In every residential and office space, electrical wires branch into several lines: leads to an electric stove and other powerful household devices, as well as sockets and switches.On the switchboard, the lighting power is turned off automatically, however, the presence of voltage is always checked at the output.
There are cases when the output voltage remains after turning off the machine. This is due to the fact that the neutral wire is connected to the machine, and not the phase one. Most likely, the dashboard circuit was assembled by an unqualified electrician. Such a scheme is quite functional, however, the lighting wiring will always be energized, therefore, it will wear out and fail faster.
Removing the keys from the switch
Removing the keys requires a flat or Phillips screwdriver and a portable light source and voltage indicator. Use a flat screwdriver to carefully remove the keys. For this, the tip is inserted between one of the keys and the frame. In this case, the screwdriver acts as a pressure lever. With a little effort, the key is pushed in and, with the help of your fingers, is removed from the grooves. The second and third keys (if available) are easier to remove.
Using the indicator, the presence of voltage at the output is checked; for this, a screwdriver is applied to each of the contacts. If the switch is located in a dark place, alternative light sources are used to avoid breakage and for ease of operation.
After removing the keys, they begin to check the integrity of the contacts, as well as the presence of voltage on them. Based on the data obtained, you can make sure that the device is working or not.
Removing the frame
When the operability of the device was checked and it became necessary to completely dismantle it, they remove not only the keys, but also the fixing frame that holds the decorative frame.
Working equipment will be required all the same as in the previous case. If the switch is attached to the wall with Phillips screws, use a Phillips screwdriver.
The fixing frame is located directly under the keys, dismantle it with a screwdriver. It is held in place thanks to the latches installed on the case. The teeth are pushed on and pulled over themselves with the fingers. Also, the frame is simultaneously held with it, otherwise it will fall down.
You need to act carefully: if the force is incorrectly calculated, the structure may break.
Common mistakes and their consequences
The main thing is to act carefully so that the plastic structure does not crack. The switches cannot be repaired, if the integrity of the case is violated, you will need to purchase a new device. This mistake is most common when removing switches from walls.
The second mistake is the most dangerous, its meaning lies in the neglect of the rules of personal safety, which poses a threat to human health and life. Before starting work, you need to turn off the power supply to the apartment and check the voltage at the output in the work area. If it is absent, you can safely get to work.
If there are no skills in such matters and the master is not sure that he will cope with the task at hand, you can turn to a qualified electrician for help.
