dasd-614

dasd-614
Change 1 Gang Light Switch to 2 Gang

Discussion in 'Electricians' Talk' started by bakerdaydad, Jan 2, 2021 at 10:08 AM.

  1. bakerdaydad

    bakerdaydad New Member

    Might not have used the right term, but basically I want to swap out a 3 switch light unit to a dimmer unit. however the dimmers are all in the bigger (rectangular vs square) back box style.

    There won’t be any additional wiring so it’s just a case of the best way to do the physical wall work.

    the base material is breeze block.

    I know I need to cut a bigger hole for the wider back box, I’m just not sure on the best way to do it.

    there is obviously plastered walls so looking for advice on the best way to do this without making a horrific mess of the walls and getting in the bad side of the boss lady.
    Thanks
     
    bakerdaydad, Jan 2, 2021 at 10:08 AM
    #1
  2. Hoops-senior

    Hoops-senior New Member

    It's a bit omelette and egg, really and depends on what tools you have available.

    Assuming you have a drill the cleanest way is to have her ladyship hold a vacuum cleaner while you chain drill (a depth-stop if you have one is useful, too) as much as possible and then knock out what's left with a cold chisel. This will reduce the dust and the solid spoil and has the added benefit of making her complicit in controlling the mess.
     
    Hoops-senior, Jan 2, 2021 at 1:21 PM
    #2
    RolandK likes this.
  3. bakerdaydad

    bakerdaydad New Member

    Like the idea of making her ladyship complicit in the activities.

    by chain drill, do you mean lots of holes that reduce the chisel work?

    Also - suggestions for avoiding damaging plaster beyond the new recess.
    can I just score round so that I get a clean edge?

    thanks in advance

     
    bakerdaydad, Jan 2, 2021 at 2:46 PM
    #3
    dasd-614
  4. Hoops-senior

    Hoops-senior New Member

    It's unlikely to help, TBH. If your blockwork is soft enough you could try without the hammer-mode engaged on the drill.
     
    Hoops-senior, Jan 2, 2021 at 2:49 PM
    #4
  5. RolandK

    RolandK Active Member

    What I've found helps is to use an old wood chisel rather than a cold chisel to get a cleaner more controlled cut. But Hoops-senior is right, there might still be some making good to do!
     
    RolandK, Jan 2, 2021 at 5:14 PM
    #5
    bakerdaydad likes this.
  6. Bazza

    Bazza Screwfix Select

    Angle grinder, that’s the way…:p
     
    Bazza, Jan 2, 2021 at 6:10 PM
    #6
    RolandK and bakerdaydad like this.
  7. bakerdaydad

    bakerdaydad New Member

    I’ll perhaps save that as a last resort for when thing devolve to chaos o_O

     
    bakerdaydad, Jan 2, 2021 at 6:37 PM
    #7
  8. RolandK

    RolandK Active Member

    Yeah, 9inch blade at least
     
    RolandK, Jan 2, 2021 at 6:41 PM
    #8
  9. bakerdaydad

    bakerdaydad New Member

    I’ve got a petrol one for cutting kerb stones - or is that over kill...
     
    bakerdaydad, Jan 2, 2021 at 7:16 PM
    #9
  10. dasd-614
    RolandK

    RolandK Active Member

    No, ideal!
     
    RolandK, Jan 2, 2021 at 7:22 PM
    #10
  11. Bazza

    Bazza Screwfix Select

    Just run the battery Dyson to suck up the dust. Simples!
     
    Bazza, dasd-614Jan 2, 2021 at 7:38 PM
    #11
    bakerdaydad likes this.
  12. bakerdaydad

    bakerdaydad New Member

    Thanks for the help everyone - I'll post pictures of my (now) demolition project ;-)
     
    bakerdaydad, Jan 2, 2021 at 9:48 PM
    #12

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