Category: Electricians

How High to Install a Light Switch

Before you get to wiring and mounting a light switch in a newly added or recently converted space without a wall outlet, learn how high to install the light switch for easy access and mounting.

Q: Our screened-in porch is undergoing some updates, including the installation of overhead lights and addition of a small outdoor kitchen set. Is there standard light switch height I should keep in mind?

A: There’s no hard and fast rule for the correct light switch height; rather, how high you should install your own will depend on your local electrical code ordinances and federal laws governing accessibility. Additionally, you may want to make adjustments to depending on its location in relation to other fixtures or switches in the room and the heights of those who will be using the switch most.

Find out if your local electrical code requires a specific light switch height.

The National Electric Code (NEC) doesn’t set forth a specific minimum light switch height, but your local electrical code may prescribe its own standard—you can usually find the electrical code on your city’s website. Keep in mind that not every city requires a specific minimum height.

The ideal light switch height is 48 inches from the floor.

Builders generally use this standard since this height can be reached as comfortably from the standing position as from the sitting position. Moreover, it falls in line with light switch height ranges prescribed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Housing Act (FHA). Even if your local electrical code doesn’t require a specific minimum height, these acts offer guidance when installing your light switch: According to ADA guidelines, wall controls and outlets that can be reached from a forward position need to be a minimum of 15 inches and a maximum of 48 inches above the ground to be easily reached from a seated position.

Now, the ADA accessibility guidelines apply to public buildings and very rarely to private residences, and the FHA accessibility guidelines apply to covered multi-family dwellings rather than detached single-family homes. Nevertheless, staying within their light switch height range regardless of your dwelling type is a mindful consideration that allows for easier accessibility when aging in place or recovering from an injury, should a household member ever spend time in a wheelchair—not to mention ensures the accessibility of your property for future owners or tenants

Adjust the height of switches mounted over countertops.

When mounting a light switch over a countertop—for example, in an indoor or outdoor kitchen, an art studio, or a craft room—reduce the standard wall mounting height to 40 inches. This lower light switch height will allow you to avoid interfering with higher-up obstructions on the wall like backsplashes or cabinetry, while still hovering four inches above the top of a standard 36-inch-tall counter.

Electric Cooker Installation Guide

Whilst only a qualified electrician is permitted to install a new circuit for an electric cooker, any competent DIY enthusiast is welcome to replace or upgrade their gas oven to an electrical alternative. This guide will talk you through the process of installing and wiring an electric cooker.

What Preparation is Needed to Install an Electric Cooker?

Firstly, you’ll need to be aware of your requirements. Electric cookers draw a great deal of power – more than a gas oven, because they generate a larger, more evenly distributed amount of intense heat.

With that in mind, you’ll have to be sure that you have a large fuse (the instruction manual of your oven will advise on this – you may get away with 13amps, but typically you’ll need something bigger), a thick, heat-resistant cable (consult a professional electrician if you are unsure of electric cooker cable size requirements) and an accessible double pole isolating switch.

Why Do I Need a Double Pole Isolating Switch, Rather Than a Single?

It’s all a matter of safety. While a single switch overrides the live wiring to your cooker should it need to do so, an oven uses so much power during an electrical circuit that the neutral wire may still be carrying some current. A double pole isolating switch will also power down the neutral wire, and thus remove the risk of residual electrical shocks should you touch the cooker after it has tripped.

What Circuit and Cables are Needed to Install an Electric Cooker?

All electric cookers require their own radial circuit – it is inadvisable for an oven to share a circuit with another major kitchen appliance. Install a cooker control unit within two metres of the cooker, but never directly above it, and run a thick cable that is capable of supporting the amount of electricity that your oven will need to one side.

The Complete Guide to Switches and Sockets

Bathrooms – pull cord switch fitting and repair – Fitting a pull cord switch, replacing the cord or changing the switch. How to replace or change a pull cord switch in a bathroom, shower or wet room.

Electrical – concealed worktop sockets – Fitting pop up kitchen Worktop sockets – In this DIY guide we show you how to easily install a pop up kitchen worktop socket including how to work out where the hole needs to go and how to fix the unit in place

Electrical – lights and switches – How to fit lights and switches and wire a ceiling rose. Light switch not working? See how to fix in or rewire your lights and switches

Electrical – outdoor socket installation – Instruction and advice on how to wire and fit an exterior electrical socket

Electrical – socket heights – In this project guide learn about the height requirements of electrical sockets, light switches, intercom systems, tv sockets, phone sockets, door bells and worktop sockets in existing properties and new build properties

GUIDE TO RCD ELECTRICAL SAFETY SWITCHES: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

Getting RCD Electrical Safety switches installed in your house is an essential task. Ensure the safety of your family in the long run. Without RCD Electrical Safety switches, everyday tasks, using electrical appliances could turn disastrous in a blink of an eye. Orion is an Emergency Electricianprovider

WHAT IS AN RCD SAFETY SWITCH AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

Essentially, residual current devices (RCDs) are used for protection against direct and indirect contacts. An RCD prevents you from receiving electric shocks if you were to touch a live wire. RCDs provide protection from electricity ordinary fuses and circuit-breakers cannot offer.

The RCD is a device that automatically switches off the electricity running through if there is a fault. It operates by continually monitoring the electric current flowing through circuits. If any electricity is detected going through a path that is not intended, the RCD will stop the electricity from flowing through within 20 milliseconds.

TYPES OF RESIDUAL CURRENT DEVICES

For the usual types of RCD use within a household, there are only five different types of RCDs Within a household, there are only approximately five different types of RCDs

RCCB (Residual Current Operated Circuit Breaker)

An RCCB is a device that is used to make, carry and break currents under common conditions. However, it is not designed to defend against overloads or short-circuits. These types of RCDs must be used alongside an overcurrent protective device, for example, a fuse or circuit breaker.

RCBO (Residual Current Operated Circuit Breaker)

An RCBO is a device that is used to make, carry and break currents under common conditions. In addition to this, it is intended to provide protection against overloads and short-circuits. This means that it does not have to be used alongside an overcurrent protective device like the RCCB.

SRCD (Socket-Outlet incorporating a Residual Current Device)

An SRCD is an outlet used for fixed installations. It uses an integral sensing circuit which automatically causes the contacts to open at a predetermined value of residual current.

FCURCD (Fused Connection Unit incorporating a Residual Current Device)

A fused connection unit used for fixed installations uses an integral sensing circuit which automatically causes the contacts to open at a predetermined value of residual current.

PRCD (Portable Residual Current Device)

A plug with a residual current device and one or more socket-outlets. They may have overcurrent protection.

Cost to Install or Move a Light Switch

The factors that affect how much moving a switch will cost depends on whether you are adding wiring, a circuit breaker, the type and expense of the switch, and cost of labor charged by your electrician.

How Much Does it Cost to Install a Light Switch?

Although there are variables, the national average to add or move a light switch is $150. Homeowners typically spend between $100 and $200 per switch, though changing out several will reduce the cost of each.

The cost to hire an electrician average $50 – $100 per hour. Although the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) sets prices in your area, licensed electricians are not obligated to respect that amount. They might charge more or less based on the amount of work they have, overhead, and other fluctuations. Hiring local is best because they know the municipal codes and are more likely to pass inspection the first time.

Moving a Light Switch

The average cost of moving a switch is $100 – $200. When an electrician must cut a hole for a light switch where there wasn’t one previously, it might require repairs to drywall or sheetrock and wall coverings.

Replacing a Light Switch

Merely replacing a light switch because it’s broken usually costs less than $100, depending on the electrician’s minimum service charge, which typically gets rolled into the cost of the switch.

Three or Four-Way Switches

The three-way switch can control one fixture, but from two locations; such as at the top and bottom of the stairs and costs $3 – $15. Four-way switches cost $10 – $25 and can control a fixture from three places.

Dimmers: How They Work & How Much They Cost

Upgrading any light switch to include a dimmer allows the user to brighten or dim the lights depending on their needs. Although these dimmers are typically inexpensive, your home’s current wiring might need an upgrade, which will make it more expensive. For example, if you want to be able to control the brightness from two locations, you will need a three/four-way switch.

The Cost Of Installing Light Switches

Over time, many of your light switches may need to be replaced. They can become outdated as the decor of your home changes. You may think that you can do this yourself; however, you have to keep in mind that major issues can occur from improperly installed electrical outlets and switches.

In addition, if you install your light switches wrong, then you may not pass a future house inspection and have to do it all over again, the right way. To save yourself both of these headaches, it is important to hire an electrician to do the job right the first time.

The benefit of hiring an electrician is knowing that you are ensuring your house is safe and up to code and can pass any inspection that comes your way. The downside of hiring an electrician is that it costs more money than doing it yourself. However, in this instance, the benefits far outweigh the cons

Some things to keep in mind:

1. Most electrical contractors like Conductive Electric tend to work on an hourly wage or per project basis. That means that you can save costs by having them do everything you need done in one trip. For instance, if you want to add some decorative switches and change some other switches to dimmers, then you should let your electrician know about all of those things beforehand. This will allow them to get the whole project done at one time, and avoid them having to come back at a later date.

2. The type of switch can end up increasing or decreasing the price, as some require more work than others do. For example, a motion sensor switch, which has extra wires, will take longer than your average switch, and in turn it will cost a little bit more to put in.

The best way to get a good price is to talk to more than one electrician. You can determine their expertise, and if you have the number of projects you need done, they should be able to give you a pretty good estimate on how much the project will cost.

How to Install an Electronic Dimmer Switch

Installing an Electronic Dimmer – Introduction

Standard wall switches control power to light fixtures on a simple on-off basis. However, dimmers allow you to vary the lighting intensity by controlling the amount of voltage a fixture receives.

Old-style dimmers operated using a rheostat—a large variable resistor. As you increased resistance in the rheostat, the voltage to the lamp was decreased and the energy that would have gone to brighter light instead wound up as wasted heat energy dissipated in the dimmer.

But times have changed, and now we use electronic dimmers. Electronic dimmers now use an ingenious little device called a Triac. A Triac is a three terminal, solid-state electronic switch or relay that quickly turns power to a lamp on and off up to 120 times per second. Since this power sequencing occurs so fast, it is not perceptible to the naked eye. Other benefits are that it generates very little heat and saves energy.

Getting Started

So read on! This tutorial walks you through the steps of replacing a single-pole switch with an electronic dimmer using incandescent or halogen lighting. You can do it easily, create mood lighting and save energy in one easy project. If you have a three-way switch configuration, in which the light fixture is controlled by two switches, then you can install a dimmer to replace one of the switches, but make sure to buy a switch identified as a three-way dimmer.

NOTE: If you have a standard compact fluorescent bulb (CFL) or LED bulb, then dimmer switches will not work. If you want to dim a CFL or LED  bulb, you will need a special dimmable bulb, which costs more than standard bulbs.

Best smart light switches

If you have a number of lights in your ceiling, installing one of the best smart light switches is the most practical way to let you integrate those fixtures into your smart home. 

For one thing, if you install smart lights, rather than a smart light switch, every time you—or someone else—flips the light switch, you’ll lose the ability to control the lights. If you flick off a smart light switch, on the other hand, you can still control your lights from your smartphone, or using a voice assistant

A smart light switch lets you schedule your home lights to turn on and off at a set time, and make it look like you’re home when you’re on vacation. You can also connect smart light switches to other smart home devices, and program them to turn all your lights on if a smoke detector activates or your security system detects an intruder.

What are the best smart light switches?

After testing numerous models, we think the best smart light switch overall is the GE C-Start Smart Switch Motion Sensing Dimmer has a motion sensors built in, so it can automatically turn on the lights when you enter a room, and also has an ambient light sensor, so it won’t turn on your lights all the way if there’s a lot of sunlight coming in. That’s a smart feature that can save you money. And, this dimmer switch works with a wide range of bulb types.

However, the design of GE’s switch is a bit unconventional, so it will stand out more than other smart light switches. Leviton’s Decora smart dimmer has a more subdued design, but lacks the motion and ambient light sensor found in the GE switch.

Things to know before you install that barn door of your dreams

Quality hardware is a must

Your barn door will be a focal point in your home, so it needs to look great, perform flawlessly and hold up under the wear and tear of everyday use. High quality hardware is durable, moves smoothly and quietly and beautifully complements your décor. It may cost a little more, but it will be worth it in the long run. Naturally we suggest the KV line for durable aluminum flat rail, round rail or stainless steel hardware kits in popular styles and finishes, sold through major hardware distributors

You need the right kind of space

A barn door can free up space compared to a swinging door, but it also needs room to slide along its track. If you’re mounting a single door, you need wall space on one side of your opening that is at least the width of the door, so it can slide completely open. For double doors you need wall space the width of an individual door on each side of the doorway. Make sure the wall has no light switches, outlets, windows, vents, doors or artwork that might impede the door or scratch it as it slides open.

The door must be wider than the doorway

That’s right. Barn doors hang from a track outside the room, covering the doorway, but leaving gaps at the sides between wall and door. For complete coverage and to minimize the gaps, make sure the door is at least several inches wider than the opening. For example, a 4-foot door will cover a 3-foot opening with 6 inches on either side, reducing the gaps. Buy a track that’s twice the width of your door:  A 4-foot wide door takes at least 8 feet of track to slide completely open. For wider doors, cut the track to fit and join the pieces with connectors available from the hardware manufacturer

Structural support is required

Barn doors can be heavy – up to 200 pounds or more, so for sturdiness, most people mount the track to a header, attached to the wall studs, above the doorway.  A 2 x 6 cut twice as long as your track should do the trick. If you mount on wall studs, be sure there is a stud or wood block at every interval on your track, including beyond the door opening. Wall anchors are not sufficient support for hanging these doors. Bonus: Mounting your door to a header positions the door far enough from the wall to clear the door frame and trim when sliding.

You’ll need a handle; maybe a latch

A handle or pull lets you slide the door open and shut easily, and it looks great. This works on the outside, but you’ll need to install a recessed pull on the inside so the door clears the door jamb when it slides open.  If your barn door is the entry to a bathroom or bedroom, you’ll find different privacy latching solutions available, from a hook and eye closure to a latch with strike plate – even a decorative deadbolt will work.  Choose handle, recessed pull and latch in a style and finish that complements your door and hardware.

How much does an electrician cost?

From routine electrical installation or repair work to emergency call-outs, you’re probably going to need the services of an electrician at some point in your life. When power failures and issues occur, your first priority is to get the issue fixed. Pricing, however, is easily a close second.

For example, you need to consider whether your electrician is fully qualified. A fully qualified electrician will ensure:

A safe electrical installation which complies with the latest electrical wiring regulations.

A fully verified, inspected and tested electrical installation – complete with a signed electrical certificate which validates the job.

Where required, submission of work to council authorities and/or inspectors. There’s no use getting electrical work done if the electrician is unprofessional, unqualified and inexperienced – no matter how cheap their rates are. An unqualified electrician can cause more harm than good, putting you, your family or your team in danger.

Now, the next most important consideration – costs for good, reliable electrical work. We’ve compiled an extensive guide to electrical costs to help you make an informed decision for you and your family, plus ensure you have some knowledge about our prices prior to engaging our electrician

EMERGENCY & REPAIR WORK (NON-QUOTED)

Let’s face it – accidents and emergencies happen. Some emergencies like a blown fuse or changing a light bulb can usually be attended to without the assistance of an electrician. However, it’s important to put your safety first and if in doubt, it’s best to let a qualified emergency electrician assess the situation for you.

With the increasing number of electrical gadgets in everyday life, it seems like there’s never a power point when you need one. Most people can get by using powerboards but these can become unsafe and you risk an overload if you’ve got more than one powerboard plugged into any one socket.