About this job
What types of switch are there, and when should you replace one?
A switch controls your lighting. The most familiar is the single light switch: one button for one lamp or a group of lights. A two-way switch can be operated from two points, for example at the top and bottom of the stairs. A cross switch is added when you want to switch from three or more points. Then there is the dimmer for steplessly adjusting the light level, the motion sensor that turns on and off automatically, and the smart switch that you control with an app or your voice.
Replacement is called for when a switch is broken or unreliable, when the faceplate looks dated or no longer suits your interior, or when you want to add a dimmer or motion sensor. A renovation or a new kitchen is also often a good moment to renew your switches. For sockets, see our socket installation page. If you want smart switching via an app or voice control, read more on our home automation page.
Warning signs
When should you replace a switch?
Not sure whether replacement is necessary? These signs point to it. If you recognise any of them, we can usually sort it quickly.
The switch is unreliable or crackles
Do you need to click several times before the light comes on, or do you hear a crackling sound? The contact is worn and replacement is a good idea.
Warm or discoloured
Does the switch feel warm, or can you see brown marks or scorching around the button? Stop using it and let us take a look.
Dated or damaged
A yellow, cracked or old-fashioned switch that no longer suits your interior. A new faceplate transforms the whole wall.
You want a dimmer
Mood lighting in the living room or bedroom? We replace your switch with a dimmer matched to your light fittings.
Renovation or new kitchen
Are you renovating or getting a new kitchen? Often the ideal moment to move, add or renew your switches.
Smart switching
Controlling lights with an app, your voice or automatically when you arrive home: we fit a smart switch in your existing wall box.
How we work
How we approach it
Small work, done neatly: a quick look, a clear price and safe replacement.
- 1
A quick look at what you need
We check the switch and your wishes: straight replacement, a dimmer or smart switching. Matched to your light fittings and your interior.
- 2
Fixed price upfront
You get a clear price upfront, even if we replace several switches in one visit. No surprises afterwards.
- 3
Safe, de-energised replacement
We isolate the circuit, remove the old switch and connect the new one neatly. Safe, no fuss.
- 4
Testing and handover
We test that everything switches as it should and finish it neatly. Your switch sits flush against the wall and does exactly what you expect.
DIY?
Can you replace a switch yourself?
Swapping just the faceplate or button of an existing switch is something you can do yourself: that is purely cosmetic. As soon as you touch the wiring, you are working on the fixed installation. If you do not connect it correctly and safely, there is a risk of a short circuit or a shock. Leave that to a certified electrician.
What you can do yourself
- Swap the faceplate or button of an existing switch
- Note where the old switch is and let us know what you want
- Decide where you would like a dimmer or extra switch
What to leave to a certified electrician
- Disconnect the switch and reconnect the wiring
- Install a two-way, cross or dimmer switching circuit
- Work on the wiring without de-energising the circuit first
Good to know
A quick technical explanation
Two things that often raise questions about switches. We explain them briefly.
Two-way and cross switching: controlling lights from multiple points
Want to switch one light on and off from two points, for example at the top and bottom of the stairs or either side of a long hallway? You need two two-way switches. They are connected to each other with an extra wire, the switching wire. At each point you can switch the light on or off, regardless of the position of the other switch.
If you want to switch from three or more points, a cross switch goes between the two two-way switches. Often the wiring is already in place for this and it is simply a matter of replacing the buttons. If not, we check during the survey whether an extra wire is needed and what that involves.
A dimmer that suits your lighting
Not every dimmer works with every lamp. With LED in particular the match is important: you need an LED-compatible dimmer, and the bulbs themselves must be dimmable. Choose the wrong combination and you will see flickering or buzzing, or the light will not dim far enough. The packaging of your bulbs will say whether they are dimmable.
Dimmers have minimum and maximum load ratings in watts. With energy-efficient LED bulbs you can sometimes fall below the minimum load, which causes the dimmer to work poorly. We look at your bulbs and choose a dimmer that suits them, so your light dims smoothly and without flickering.
Price
What does switch replacement cost?
The price depends on the type of switch and whether we replace several at once. That is why we have a quick look first and then give you a fixed price upfront. Below is an indication.
Common extras:
- Replacing several switches at once is more cost-effective than separate visits
- An LED-compatible dimmer for dimmable LED lighting
- Faceplates in a colour or range that suits your interior
- Material price varies by brand and finish
Price guide
Fixed price upfront| Light switch or two-way switch replacement | € 45 to € 90 |
| Dimmer installation | € 60 to € 120 |
| Motion sensor or smart switch installation | € 70 to € 150 |
| Multiple switches in one visit | cheaper per unit |
| Call-out charge | € 39 |
Indicative prices incl. VAT. You will always receive a tailored quote.
Related services
Often done together
Not sure which job you need exactly? We are happy to help. These services often go hand in hand.
Socket installation
Want to add, move or replace a socket? We handle that small job safely and neatly for you too.
More infoHome automation and smart switching
Controlling lights with an app, your voice or automatically: we install smart switches and lighting.
More infoOutdoor lighting
Lighting with a switch, timer or motion sensor in the garden or on the facade. Safely connected.
More infoElectrical installation
A bigger job, such as rewiring a room or kitchen with new switches and light points? We handle that too.
More infoCertified electrician
Find out what a certified electrician does for you, with a fixed price upfront across all of Noord-Brabant.
More infoWhy Brabant Elektra
Certified, insured and guaranteed
All our engineers are qualified and work to the NEN 1010 standard. We give a 2-year guarantee on all our work. Reliable work you can count on.
Frequently asked questions
Good to know
Service area
Switch and dimmer replacement across all of Noord-Brabant
We replace switches and dimmers throughout Noord-Brabant, from Eindhoven to Breda and from Tilburg to Den Bosch, and all the towns and villages in between. Small work that we sort neatly and by appointment, often replacing several switches in a single visit. A certified engineer near you who knows the area and can come quickly.
That local knowledge makes a difference, because the homes here vary considerably. From post-war housing with old two-way switch circuits to new builds with a modern installation: we know what we might find behind a faceplate and make sure the new switch or dimmer matches your lighting properly. So it sits neatly and safely, wherever in Brabant you live.
Service area
Across Noord-Brabant
From major cities to smaller towns, active in:
Ready to have this job done professionally?
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