Domestic light switch

[pgk pgkParticipant @pgkpgk17461]

I tried to replace a broken simple double light switch with a new one i bought in B&Q. No way can it be used. The brass hold down screws are too short to have any chance of trapping anything short of at least 30A copper and the screws have no more than 2 turns of thread clearance through their brass holder.

Either there's a change in regs requireing some crimps on the wire first or it was a factory fault putting in the wrong short screws or there's something I don't know. the packet clearly states lightswitch 10A double way Honeywell (made in england) – so not even cheapo chinese to criticise…

Anyone know what the thread is off-hand? If I've got a die I might feel like making some simple replacements/..

pgk

[pgk pgkParticipant @pgkpgk17461]

Have things changed?

[clogsParticipant @clogs]

clogs

the thread is 3.5mm…

u can buy a tap that has a screw driver handle prob from B+Q but def from most elec factors, CIty Elec etc etc…..

new screws various finishes are available in DIY packs of 4 for just a few pence…….

I always kept every length available in my tool box for odd jobs that turn out to be a pain…….

often the receptical is set to deep causing this problem…..

and as for suplied screws, ur lucky u got any……hahaha……

[pgk pgkParticipant @pgkpgk17461]

Clogs.. you're thinking of the screws that hold the switch plate to the back-box? Thse are the screws to hold the wire in the connectors. I suspect they may be 3.5mm too but 3mm stainless that i happen to have seem to fit and hold….. if I can remember where i put the 3mm longer setscrews – otherwise i've got to turn down socket heads and slot their ends.

pgk

[BazyleParticipant @bazyle]

3BA used to be a common size fro old electrical terminals.

[Former MemberParticipant @formermember19781]

[This posting has been removed]

[pgk pgkParticipant @pgkpgk17461]

Thanks for the offer but not worth causing you nuisance.. anyhow suspect that your screws are designed for brass-faced switches to backboxes in which case heads would need turning down too to fit these blocks.

pgk

[Nicholas FarrParticipant @nicholasfarr14254]

Hi pgk, are the screws from the broken switch no good, or have you slung it without saving them first. Maybe pinching some from a choc block might solve your problem.

Regards Nick.

[duncan webster 1Participant @duncanwebster1]

Why not just take it back and get one that works rather than messing about

[pgk pgkParticipant @pgkpgk17461]

Posted by duncan webster on 14/10/2018 21:02:14:

Why not just take it back and get one that works rather than messing about

B&Q is an hour's drive away. If I used petrol it'd cost more than a new switch. I only bought it there 'cos it was a place to stop for a pee when i remembered I needed a switch. As it happens i use electricity and can get that free but it's still an hour each way to B&Q unless i happen to be going that way. Remember i live in the sticks

pgk..

[pgk pgkParticipant @pgkpgk17461]

Problem solved. I changed an old halogen PIR for an LED version and the connector block screws in old one fit nicely.

I've found LED floods very unreliable in the past but latest ones from Lidl do at least have a 3yr warranty (I got lucky 'cos it was 3 wks ago they had them on offer but a few left locally)

pgk

[SamsarandaParticipant @samsaranda]

PGK, do I read you right, you get electricity for free, how come? The rest of us have to pay for ours.

Dave W

[pgk pgkParticipant @pgkpgk17461]

Posted by Samsaranda on 15/10/2018 15:23:54:

PGK, do I read you right, you get electricity for free, how come? The rest of us have to pay for ours.

Dave W

Only for the car. I came into some money and spoilt myself with a Tesla with free supercharging. Actually my nearest supercharger is a bit of a plod unless i happen to be going that direction but the car's also fun to drive so sometimes just worth the run for a free 'tankful' and B&Q happens to be 15 miles from a free chargepoint.

It's not really free on a car that depreciates and has high service costs – but nice to fool oneself into thinking so

[SamsarandaParticipant @samsaranda]

Nice one PGK, you make me jealous,

Dave W

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

Oh well… I have an LED security light that's got a solar panel and is free to run. And it was only £2 in Barnardos…

Not quite as much fun as a Tesla

Neil

[pgk pgkParticipant @pgkpgk17461]

I got one of those about three years ago for 'down by the hay bay' where there's no leccy. No Barnardo's here so had to pay full price on ebay. Was thinking the other day it may be time to wash the panel and change the rechargeables..

pgk

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