Proleska switch a16 131 how to disassemble. Dismantling the switch: step-by-step instructions

Sometimes, for one reason or another, it is necessary to dismantle and remove the light switch found in any home. Before starting work, you should familiarize yourself with some nuances that will allow you to carry out the process correctly. In this article we will tell you how to disassemble a light switch and provide detailed step-by-step instructions.

Tools required for disassembly

To disassemble the switch you will need some simple tools and equipment. The main ones are a pair of screwdrivers, although many devices can be dismantled using a single flat blade. A Phillips screwdriver will be needed for devices that have Phillips-shaped screws in their design.

Before starting work, you should make sure to turn off the power supply to your apartment or house. Shutdown is carried out in the electrical panel, which is usually located on staircase or near front door. If it is not known which lever is responsible for a particular room in the apartment, it is recommended not to take risks, but to immediately turn all the toggle switches to the “OFF” position. If this is not done, an electric shock may occur when dismantling the switch.

Before starting work, you should turn off the power to the room or the entire home by moving the corresponding toggle switch

It is always important to remember that when performing any electrical work, safety is the most important factor. The lever in the electrical panel must be directed downwards. Even if the home is completely de-energized, it would be a good idea to play it safe by additionally making sure that there is no voltage using an indicator screwdriver. Also, before disassembling, you should study the design features installed switch. Read also the article: → "".

Disassembling the light switching device begins with removing the key, since it is impossible to continue work without dismantling it. Removing this structural element is almost always quite quick and easy. Before removing the key, you must carefully examine the mechanism of the existing device. It is released various types, and therefore the process may have fundamental differences.

Most easy way- this is to press the key towards the wall thumb, grab the ledge with your other fingers and, with not too much effort, pull the key towards you. Some people are often afraid of damaging a key by applying too much force to a tightly seated element. In this case, you can use a flat thin screwdriver or a knife, slightly prying the key. But it’s still better to try to remove it manually - the risk of scratching or damaging the element is minimal.

To remove the key in most switch models, it is enough to use your fingers

There are models of switches, for example, Lezard, in which there are special holes on the sides of the key. By prying them off with a screwdriver, the key can be removed without special effort. If the switch is two-key, then the second element is removed after removing the previous one according to the same principle. Read also the article: → "".

Removing the switch frame

The next job when disassembling the switch is to remove the frame, which can be fastened in two ways:

• screw;
• clamping

Fastening the screw frames, as you might guess, is done using small screws that are unscrewed using a Phillips or flat-head screwdriver. The clamping frames are attached using special clamps, which should simply be bent to dismantle. For greater convenience and speed up the process, first remove one clamp, and then the second.

Switch disassembly and dismantling

The final stage of disassembling the switch is removing it from the mounting box. To do this, you need to loosen the mounting tabs that securely hold the device in the wall. The corresponding screws are loosened, after which the mechanism can be freely removed from the wall. Some switch models, such as Makel, are secured to the sides of the box with screws. In this case, you should simply unscrew them using a screwdriver.

After dismantling the switch, it is necessary to measure the voltage on the wires connected to it using an indicator screwdriver. If there is no voltage, then after disassembling the fasteners, the wires are disconnected from the device.

Tip #1. The dismantled switch should be inspected for the presence of melted contacts. If there are any, the device cannot be repaired and requires replacement. If this problem does not exist, it is necessary to inspect for any other damage, and also check all contacts at the points where the wires are secured.

Disconnecting wires from the device

In most switch models, including the Legrand and Wessen brands, the wires are secured using a bolted connection, which, when disconnected, simply needs to be loosened and pulled slightly towards you. If the switch malfunctions, the wires are insulated and marked before installing a new one different colors so as not to confuse them during installation.

Features of disassembling popular brands of switches (MAKEL, LEGRAND, Wessen, LEZZARD)

MAKEL brand switches have some design features, and therefore their disassembly is carried out using the following technology:

• remove the keys - there are no differences from other brands of devices;
• remove the cover.

When removing the decorative frame, you may encounter some problems. The manufacturer used special elastic clamps to secure this element, going deep into the device. The cover must be pulled towards you without applying any force. extra effort, as it can be easily damaged. Another design feature is the location of the screws with inside, therefore you can only get to them after removing the housing from the wall.

LEGRAND

Key or keys double switch LEGRAND stamps can be removed without any serious effort by pressing on the bottom or top part. Then, after removing the frame, you need to loosen the locking tabs that hold the device in installation box.

Wessen

The keys in Wessen switch models are removed as follows. The protruding parts are grasped with the fingers, compressed and pulled towards themselves. When pressed, axial guides come out of the grooves. There are some nuances when removing the frame. The continuous cover of Wessen Prima switches is attached to the mechanism body with two bolts that can be easily unscrewed with a screwdriver.

The Wessen Zenit switch with the frame removed is attached to the wall using a pair of bolts

LEZARD

Switches of this brand can have frames attached in two ways:

• screws that can simply be unscrewed with a screwdriver;
• with a special fastening in the form of side latches, which must be carefully picked up and bent using a knife or screwdriver.

Switches with three keys of the Lezard brand are dismantled by removing the elements one by one

How to disassemble a light switch with a regulator

If the process of disassembling ordinary switches is in most cases clear and simple, then with devices equipped with dimmers, some difficulties may arise. Dimmers, including mechanical ones, are connected to the circuit according to exactly the same principle as ordinary switches. Consequently, their disassembly is carried out according to the same scheme:

• the rotary handle is removed;
• using a screwdriver or knife, the decorative frame is released from the latch;
• the fastening legs become loose;
• the bolts securing the body are loosened.

Removing a switch with a brightness control is similar to disassembling an ordinary household device

How to disassemble a switch with an indicator

To disassemble an illuminated switch, you must first turn off the indicator, which involves turning off the power and removing the LED. The sequence of actions is as follows:

• turning off the switch de-energizes the room;
• the key latches are carefully pryed off with a thin screwdriver and removed;
• the frame is carefully removed;
• the fastening bolts are unscrewed;
• the device is removed from the installation box;
• The presence of voltage in the wires is checked using an indicator screwdriver.

Tip #2. Before touching a bare wire, make sure there is no voltage. To do this, you should bring a tester or other probe to each of the contacts - the indicator should not turn on.

The Shneider Electric indicator switch can also be disassembled without the use of complex tools.

FAQ

Question No. 1. How can you get to the LED in the indicator switch?

Typically, to replace the LED element, you will need to separate the device into two halves by releasing the latches. After this, access to the LED will be open, which can be desoldered or removed by cutting the wiring.

Question No. 2. How to reassemble the switch?

Regardless of the model, the device is always assembled in the reverse order without any nuances.

Question No. 3. What to do if there are traces of oxidation on the switch contacts?

If the contacts are oxidized, they can be carefully cleaned. If there is melting of the terminals, the switch must be replaced - its further operation is dangerous!

Typical mistakes at work

• A common mistake is the application of excessive force when removing the switch key or decorative frame. As a result, these elements may not only be scratched, but also broken. In this case, regardless of the device model, you will need to purchase a new one, since the keys and frames are not sold separately.
• Most dangerous mistake is neglect of safety rules. Be sure to turn off the power supply to the room at the panel. If you are in doubt which switch is “correct,” it is better to turn them all off.

The only tool we need is a flat screwdriver; an indicator screwdriver will do.

Let's start disassembling the switch:

1. First of all, turn off the electricity! To do this in the electrical panel, you need levers circuit breakers switch to the “off” state, usually this is the position in which the lever is pointing down. Which machine needs to be turned off, if they are not labeled, is determined empirically by turning them off one by one and checking with an indicator screwdriver for the presence of voltage in the switch wiring. As a last resort, turn everything off. But then be sure to make sure once again that there is no electric current in the place where the work is being carried out!

2. The main secret you need to know if you want to disassemble the switch is the need to first remove the key (or keys if there are several of them). To do this, try to grab the protruding parts of the key from the side and, squeezing, pull it towards you. The images below show this method of removing a key from a Wessen Prima series switch. In this case, when pressed, the axial guide keys come out of the grooves, after which it can be easily removed.

3. If you cannot grasp the key from the sides, try to grab any protruding part and pull it towards you, often the key is fixed in the switch mechanism without a latch and it is enough to simply pull it out. An example of this is presented in the images below - where we remove the keys one by one from an Abb Niessen Olas two-key switch.

4. If you were unable to disconnect in this way, then It is necessary, extremely carefully, to pry off the key with a straight screwdriver. Proceed carefully so as not to spoil appearance switch.

5. After the key has been safely removed, it is necessary to disconnect the switch frame. Most often, there are three options for attaching the frame to the mechanism.

We see the first type in Wessen switches of the Prima series, where the frame is solid and attached to the mechanism with two bolts that must be unscrewed in order to remove it.

The second type of fastening of the frame to the mechanism can be seen in the ABB Niessen Olas switch. Here, a special one is used for fixation. fastener, which is installed in the grooves of the caliper to fix the frame and can be easily removed during disassembly. To do this, you just need to pull it towards you or pull it out using a flat-head screwdriver.

The third type of fastening can be observed in modular mechanisms of ABB Niessen Zenit switches; in this case, on the frame itself there are “claws” that fix the frame in the switch support. At the same time, it is more convenient to disassemble such a switch by first removing the frame. Then, in order to remove the mechanism, it is necessary, as shown in the image below, to unfasten the retaining fasteners using a straight screwdriver through special grooves in the caliper.

At the same time, it is more convenient to disassemble such a switch by first removing the frame. Then, in order to remove the mechanism, it is necessary, as shown in the image below, to unfasten the retaining fasteners using a straight screwdriver through special grooves in the caliper.

6. When the frame is removed, remove the mechanism from the frame; to do this, unscrew the retaining screws located on the sides. Also, the switch mechanisms can be fixed in the mounting box using their own fasteners, spacer type, in this case we loosen the screws responsible for this on the mechanism, they are marked in the image below.

7. Final stage, this is the disconnection of wires from the switch mechanism. Depending on the type of fastening, whether screw terminals or spring terminals, the technology differs. In the case of screw terminals, loosen the bolts in the terminals and remove the wires.

And if the switch has self-clamping terminals, then you need to press the corresponding levers and pull the wires out of the terminals.

That's all, the switch is disassembled and disconnected.

Are you familiar with this situation when, upon entering a room, you press the light switch button, but the lighting does not appear? This has probably happened to many people, and there may be several reasons for the lack of light. Perhaps in this moment there is no voltage in the entire apartment, or the electrical wiring is damaged, or perhaps the switch itself is faulty. In the latter case, you should not immediately run to the store for a new device or call an electrician to repair it. An ordinary keyboard switch is the simplest element; any man who is more or less familiar with electricity will be able to handle it on his own. And we will help you a little and tell you how to disassemble a light switch and determine whether it is in good or bad condition.

Is the switch really the cause?

Let's first make sure that the reason for the lack of light is in the switch itself.

Check if there is lighting in other rooms. If not, then look at the introductory machine, maybe you have exceeded permissible load, turning on the electric kettle, iron and microwave oven at the same time, and it turned off. Go out onto the site, ask your neighbors if they have electricity, perhaps there is no voltage in the entire house.

In the case when the light does not come on in only one room, but in all others there is, a circle possible reasons narrows. Check the integrity of the light bulb and the serviceability of the socket in the lighting fixture. If everything is in order with the lamp, then there is no other choice but to remove the switch and examine its insides.

Materials and tools

Before disassembling the light switch, immediately prepare all the necessary tools and materials that may be required for repairs:

• indicator screwdriver;
• flat screwdriver;
• Phillips screwdriver;
• insulating tape;
• sandpaper;
• stripping knife.

Relieve stress from the workplace

Any work in the apartment related to electricity must begin with de-energizing the work area. If you have a separate circuit breaker for each room, then turn off the one from which the given room where you will remove the switch is powered. If there is one common input machine per apartment, turn it off and take measures so that no one can turn it back on. It will be good if it is located at the entrance to the apartment. But when the machine is located on a common area, it is better to hang a “Do not turn on!” sign. or put someone on duty.

Using an indicator screwdriver, check that there is indeed no voltage at the workplace. How to do it right? First, test the operating condition of the indicator screwdriver in an area known to be live, such as an on-site distribution panel. When it comes into contact with a phase wire, the indicator window lights up, which means the screwdriver is working. Now go back to the room and check that there is no voltage at distribution box touching the power supply wires. The indicator screwdriver does not light up, which means everything is in order, you have secured the work area and you can safely remove the switch from the wall.

Step-by-step instructions for analysis

And now in detail about how to remove the switch:

1. The first step is to remove the key. In theory, it should come off if you press the key from below with your thumb and pull it towards you from above with your other fingers. In some models, the keys fit quite tightly, then you will have to slightly pry them off from the side with a flat-head screwdriver. Do this carefully so as not to scratch the protective frame and the key itself. If you have a switch with two or three keys, remove and put them away one by one.
2. Now remove the protective frame. In some models it is secured with two screws; unscrew them with a Phillips screwdriver. Sometimes the frame is secured using plastic latches, in this case it’s even easier, just squeeze them out.
3. Having removed all the protective plastic elements, we approached the operating mechanism of the switch. There are two spacer screws on the sides, unscrew them and remove working part from the socket. There is another option when, to fix the working mechanism in the socket box, not spacer screws are used, but expansion tabs. They need to be loosened a little by reducing the thrust angle.
4. Carefully inspect the disassembled switch, especially the wire connection points, for weak contact, burning, or melting. Disconnect the wire strands from the contact holes. So as not to confuse anything immediately using insulation tape mark the wire that was phase and connected to the incoming contact of the switch. If you find that the wire strands are oxidized, clean them using sandpaper and connect again. If it is discovered that a wire core has burnt out as a result of poor contact, it is necessary to re-terminate it, use a knife to remove 1 cm of insulation and secure it in the contact hole.

This video shows how a single-key one is disassembled:

and two-key switch:

When disassembling the switch, remember the sequence of actions. If everything is in order with the switching device itself (it has not melted and is ready for further use), it will need to be assembled in the reverse order. If damage to the switch itself is discovered (for example, the contact part is melted), and do not try to restore anything, immediately go to the store for a new device.

Currently, there is no longer a shortage of high-quality household electrical appliances that are highly reliable, but over time even they can fail, switches are especially susceptible to this due to regular use.

If a light bulb blinks on a particular lamp, then the issue here is not a voltage surge at all, but most likely a switch mechanism that should be inspected, if you have the appropriate experience, of course.

The products of this manufacturer are highly reliable and it is possible that the reason for the lighting not working correctly lies in poor contact not inside, but on the terminals, which is what most often happens.

A special feature of these models is that the decorative trim is secured not using latches, but in the classic way, using a screw. To work you will need:

• indicator screwdriver;
• multimeter;
• mounting screwdriver.

In order to get to the screws, you must first remove the keys; the screw holding the decorative cover does not need to be unscrewed, since access to the fixing petals is provided using mounting holes. Having loosened the petals, you need to pull the switch towards you.

It is enough to disconnect the line going to the lamp to check the functionality of the mechanism. First, check the presence of potential at the output terminals, using an indicator screwdriver, by turning on the switch.

Additionally, with the power off, you need to use a multimeter to “ring” each of the contacts in the on position. If there are no signs of failure in the switch and in good condition contacts at the connection points, the fault should be looked for in the wiring or lamp.

The products of this manufacturer can often be seen both in everyday life and in public spaces, due to the high reliability and relatively affordable cost of the products.

If it is necessary to disassemble and inspect the connection, no problems arise either, however, the manufacturer has provided some design features.

To remove the switch from the wall you will need standard set tools. Removing the keys is quite easy, but with a decorative overlay, an average person who has never encountered this type of switch may have problems. The fact is that here the manufacturer used special clamps made of elastic wire that go deep into the body.

After the keys are removed, the decorative cover must be pulled towards you without unnecessary effort, which will give access to the contacts.

A design feature of these switches is the location of the clamp screws with back side, therefore, access to them is possible only after removing the entire housing from the wall. The contacts are checked visually and using a multimeter.

Modern models of household switches are distinguished not only by their practicality and ease of use, but also by their miniature components, due to which they do not take up much space and are light in weight.

The electromechanical characteristics of such devices allow them to withstand a large number of work cycles, and provide easy dismantling devices in case of replacement or revision.

Legrand switches have long won over their consumers high level decorative, while inspecting the connection of contacts in the event of loss of lighting will not be difficult.

The key or keys are removed without any excessive force by pressing on the protruding upper or lower part and then removed decorative overlay and use a screwdriver to loosen the fixing petals that rest against the wall.

After loosening, the switch must be pulled towards you and when the contacts become accessible, visually assess the condition; there should be no carbon deposits; if there is any, it must be removed.

The integrity of the contacts is checked using a multimeter and if the problem is in the switch itself, then a replacement is made, otherwise you should look for a breakdown in other parts of the circuit.

The need for knowledge and practical skills on how to disassemble a light switch arises when it is done major renovation in buildings separate rooms. Sometimes there is a need to replace a faulty light switch.

Main types of light switches

There are two main types of wall mounting designs, which are fundamentally different:

• for hidden wiring;
• for external wiring.

To avoid mistakes:

• short circuit;
• burnout of expensive lighting fixtures, energy-saving, LED or fluorescent lamps;
• burning of insulation in a junction box or wall;
• defeats electric shock.

Necessary:

1. Familiarize yourself with the basic rules of safety measures. Before removing the switch, you need to study the design of their fastening and connection. Products for external wiring are fastened with ordinary dowels and self-tapping screws, and the housing is pressed against the wall through the mounting holes. For models internal wiring fastening technologies are more complex. The design of the case includes a mechanism of sliding strips, which fix the case on two opposite sides in a pre-made hole with a diameter of 67-70 mm.

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1. Regardless of the type of light switch, for what purpose it has to be disassembled, first of all at the distribution board, the circuit breaker is turned off. This is done for safety reasons to prevent the possibility of electric shock to working people. You need to make sure that the disconnections are made correctly, click the keys several times, lighting shouldn't work. According to the requirements of the PUE (Electrical Installation Rules), a sign must be hung on the circuit breaker in the switchboard: “Do not turn on people working.” It is advisable to close the cabinet and keep the keys with you so that strangers do not have access to the switches. Having completed these steps, you can begin to disassemble the switch itself.

Disassembling the internal wiring switch

1. Remove the plastic key strips and decorative cover from the switch.

On older models, to remove the decorative cover, you just need to unscrew two screws; they are located on the surface. In new models, these bolts are hidden under the keys, which are easily removed with your fingers or can be pryed off with a screwdriver.

Only then will you gain access to the screws securing the top cover. Taking off decorative elements, you will see the housing in the mounting hole. If it is fixed by a conscientious electrician, you will not be able to pry it with a screwdriver and pull it out.

1. Unscrew the two screws of the spacer mechanism counterclockwise; the fixing strips will move away from the wall.

In some models, along the perimeter of the structure there is a galvanized plate with holes for fastening the housing with self-tapping screws to the wall. The plate has holes for attaching the housing to plastic socket boxes, which have channels for fastening screws.

There are cases when the entire structure is supported only by a spacer mechanism, or perhaps screwed to the wall and socket box. Check all the options, disconnect all the fasteners, after which the entire mechanism can be removed from the mounting hole by hand without much effort.

1. Once again, use an indicator screwdriver to check the absence of voltage on all contacts. After making sure that there is no danger, disconnect the wires from the terminals. In cases where the terminals are stuck, the insulation and the housing have melted, you cannot unscrew the bolts on the contacts with a screwdriver, bite off the wire with wire cutters. The wire must be bitten off so that no burnt insulation remains, at the same time, the length is sufficient for installing a new product. When the wires remain too short, it is not recommended to lengthen them by twisting them, the best option This is a replacement along the entire area from the box to the switch, that's another topic.

Disassembling the external wiring switch

For external wiring structures, the disassembly sequence is similar, but it is necessary to take into account that instead of the screws of the spacer mechanism, screws are unscrewed that press the housing directly to the wall. The safety measures are the same, for reliability you can wear dry household rubber gloves, the voltage is low, this will be quite enough for protection. All operations can be done with one indicator screwdriver.