Leslie Massey
Wiring a double light switch in Australia is not a DIY job – it's illegal for anyone other than a licensed electrician to do so. This is because working with household electricity is extremely dangerous and can be fatal if not done correctly. Even a tiny mistake could cost you or your family your lives, and you may void your home insurance. If you need a light switch rewired or installed, it's best to call an electrician to take care of it for you, which should only cost around $200.
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What You'll Learn
Understand Australia's wiring colour standards
In Australia, electrical wiring colour codes are a vital safety system for working on electrical circuits. They enable quick visual identification of each wire's live, neutral, or earth function. Standardized colours also prevent installation and repair errors. However, it is important to note that Australian standards have evolved over time, and older systems may not match today's wiring colour codes.
Before 2018, the previous Australian standards for electrical wiring colours were as follows:
- Green for earth, providing a safe path to the ground in case of a fault.
- Black for neutral.
- Bare copper for grounding.
- Red for the active wire, which carries the electrical current.
In 2018, Australia adopted new wiring colour standards to align with global norms, and the following colours were introduced:
- Brown for the active or hot wire.
- Blue for neutral in single-phase circuits.
- Green and yellow for earth.
In three-phase circuits, brown, black, and grey are used for phases 1, 2, and 3, respectively, with light blue for neutral and green/yellow for earth.
It is important to understand the difference between Australia's old and new wiring colour standards to ensure safety and compliance when working with electrical systems. Licensed electricians are required to perform electrical work in Australia due to the potential dangers and safety risks involved.
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Know when to call an electrician
In Australia, any electrical work must be performed by a licensed electrician, whether it is residential, commercial, or industrial. Changing a light switch is considered electrical work, and it is not allowed to be done by anyone other than a licensed electrician.
Before calling an electrician, you can do an initial check-up to see if your light switch needs changing. If you hear a burning odour or audible frying sounds, the wiring connected to the light switch may be loose, which could also lead to electrocution. Light switches can wear out over time, especially in older properties with electrical systems over four decades old.
Even if you are an experienced DIY enthusiast, electrical work is forbidden for anyone other than a licensed electrician in Australia. Attempting to change a light switch yourself could void your home insurance, and there is a risk of something going wrong that could cost you or your family your lives.
When choosing an electrician, it is your responsibility as a homeowner to ensure that they are suitably licensed and can provide you with a compliance certificate once the work is completed. This certificate can only be issued by registered electrical contractors.
While it may seem like a good idea to save money by changing a light switch yourself, it is not worth the risk. Electricity is not an amateur's playground, and even experienced electricians can be at risk of accidents.
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Turn off the power
In Australia, only a licensed electrician is allowed to wire a light switch. Unlicensed electrical work is illegal in every state and can be extremely dangerous, and even fatal, if not done correctly.
If you are a licensed electrician, it is important to take precautions before installing or rewiring a light switch. The first and most critical step is to turn off the power at the meter box or fuse box. This will help prevent accidental shocks and protect the wiring and tools during the installation process. It is a good idea to mark the breaker switch with tape to ensure no one else turns it back on while you are working.
After turning off the power, use a voltage tester to double-check that no current is flowing to the switch. This extra step is important for ensuring a safe working environment and avoiding any unexpected issues. Even professionals always use a voltage tester as a safety precaution.
Once you have confirmed that the power is off, you can proceed with the next steps of replacing the light switch. Remember to always put safety first when working with electricity.
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Remove the old wall plate
It is important to note that wiring a light switch in Australia is not permitted by law unless you are a licensed electrician. This is because working with household electricity can be extremely dangerous and even fatal if not done correctly.
Now, to remove the old wall plate, follow these steps:
Firstly, ensure that the power to the light switch is turned off at the main circuit breaker box. This is a crucial safety measure to prevent accidental shocks and protect the wiring and tools during the installation process. Mark the breaker switch with tape to ensure it is not accidentally turned back on while you are working. Confirm that you have turned off the power to the correct light switch by flipping the wall switch on and off.
Next, use a voltage tester to double-check that no current is flowing to the switch. This is an essential step to ensure a safe working environment and avoid any potential hazards. Even a small mistake in electrical work can have severe consequences, so it is always better to be cautious.
Once you have confirmed that the power is off, you can proceed to remove the old wall plate. If the wall plate has been painted over, use a utility knife to score around it and loosen it. Unscrew the plate and gently pull it away from the wall, being careful not to damage any wiring. With the old wall plate removed, you can now access the wiring and proceed to the next steps of changing the double light switch.
Remember, if you are uncomfortable or unfamiliar with any part of the process, it is best to contact a licensed electrician for assistance. Safety should always be the top priority when working with electricity.
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Attach the new switch
Please note that wiring a light switch in Australia must be done by a licensed electrician as unlicensed electrical work is illegal in the country.
Now, to attach the new switch, start by connecting the wires to the new switch. Ensure that the wires are attached in the same configuration as they were on the old switch. Black wires should go to black or brass screws, copper or green ground wires to green or copper screws, and neutral white wires to silver screws. If the wires are attached using push-in connectors, use a screwdriver to secure them.
Next, push the new switch into the switch box, being cautious and lining up the screw holes carefully. Screw the new switch into the box, tightening the screws securely. Check that the switch is oriented so that it is in the downward position when off.
Before replacing the wall plate, turn the power back on at the breaker box to test if the new switch works. If it does, turn the power off again and attach the wall plate by screwing it into place. Ensure the plate is tight against the wall.
Finally, turn the power back on, and your new light switch should be installed correctly and safely.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not legal to change a light switch in Australia unless you are a licensed electrician. Unlicensed electrical work is illegal and can be extremely dangerous.
A licensed electrician should always turn off the power at the meter/fuse box and use a voltage tester to ensure no current is flowing to the switch. They should also check the wiring configuration and ensure any exposed wires are secured with a twist-on wire nut.
It is recommended to choose a new light switch of the same model to ensure it fits in the same switch box. If you want to update to a dimmer switch, be aware that it may cost more due to the price of materials.
First, turn off the power at the main circuit breaker box and mark it with tape. Remove the old wall plate and check again with a circuit tester to ensure the power is off. Disconnect the old switch by removing the screws and pulling it out slightly. Attach the new wires to the new switch, ensuring they are in the same configuration. Screw the new switch into the box, flip the breaker box switch on, and attach the plate.
