Light switches get used thousands of times a year, so they wear out. Cracked plates, switches that feel mushy or crackle when pressed, and yellowed 1970s plates are all good reasons to replace them, and in NSW that's work for a licensed electrician.
Ring 0421 772 661 with a rough count of the switches you'd like changed. We'll quote in writing and can do one switch or the whole house.
Some replacements are cosmetic and some are about safety. If a switch sparks, buzzes, feels warm, or the light flickers when you touch it, stop using it and get it looked at. Our page on light switches that spark explains why that happens.
Exposes the terminals behind. Replace it rather than taping it up.
A switch that moves when pressed can strain the connections behind it.
Worn contacts or a loose terminal. This one shouldn't wait.
Switches with a locator light or larger rockers help in hallways and bedrooms.
Brown bakelite, round surface switches or mismatched plates left from past renovations.
Adding a dimmer, a timer, a fan controller or a smart switch in place of a standard mechanism.
Standard white plates are inexpensive and suit most rooms, but there are also slimline plates, coloured and metal finishes and designer ranges. Within a range the mechanisms are modular, so a single plate can carry a light switch, a dimmer and a fan control side by side. If you're comparing ranges, we install Clipsal Iconic, HPM Excel and other common ranges; we're an independent electrician, not a supplier for any brand.
Smart switches deserve a note. Many need a neutral conductor at the switch, and older Inner West homes often have switch wiring that only carries the active down to the switch. That doesn't rule smart switches out, but it can mean choosing a model that works without a neutral or running an extra conductor. We check before you buy. For dimming, see our dimmer switch installation page.
The number of switches is the obvious one, and doing several in a single visit is more efficient than calling us back for each. The range you choose affects the material cost. Old wall boxes or mounting blocks sometimes need replacing so the new plate sits flat, especially on lath and plaster or uneven brick. Two-way and multi-way switching (a light controlled from both ends of a hall) takes a little more care to identify and reconnect correctly.
If testing turns up something bigger, like perished rubber-insulated cable behind the plate or a circuit without safety switch protection, we stop and talk you through it rather than carrying on. Our guide to old wiring in Inner West terraces explains what we tend to find.
We isolate the lighting circuit at the switchboard, confirm it's dead, remove the old switch and inspect the cable and terminations. The new mechanism is wired, fixed level to the wall, and each light is tested along with the circuit. If a switch has stopped working altogether rather than just looking tired, see switch not working for the usual causes.
No. Replacing a switch involves fixed wiring, which must be done by a licensed electrician. Cleaning or swapping a clip-on cover plate is fine, but not the mechanism.
Usually. Standard Australian plates share common mounting sizes, though old non-standard boxes sometimes need a new mounting block so the plate sits flush.
Yes. Many people do the whole house at once so every room matches. We'll count the mechanisms and quote the full job.
It's often caused by switches with a locator light or some smart switches leaking a tiny current through the LED driver. A different mechanism or a load correction device usually fixes it.
Yes, with the owner's or agent's approval, and we provide an itemised invoice for their records.
NSW Electrical Contractor Licence 332956C · Fully insured · Since 2016 · Based in Hurlstone Park
Excellent electrician Blue Link Electrical was honest, knowledgeable, and took the time to answer my questions The work was completed quickly without rushing and everything works perfectly Will be using them
Very professional and reliable service. Blue Link Electrical were punctual, friendly, and knew exactly what they were doing. The job was completed to a high standard and the place was left clean. Highly recommend to anyone needing electrical work.
Can't fault the service from Blue Link Electrical From first contact to job completion everything was smooth and professional Quality workmanship and great attention to detail. One of the best trades experiences I've had. Make sure you do them slowly
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