I’m sure this is a dumb question, but I can’t figure out how to replace a rocker switch. It appears to be built into the wall. See photo. Do I pry it out?
What are the dimensions? Hard to tell from the photo if it is a "full size" switch or a close up of standard rocker switch with some kind of cover that is plastered up to.
I have seen full size switches but usually not in the USA.
If it is a full size switch you may be able to pry the the panel off and expose mounting screws. If it prys off it probably is fastened by some nubs on the back that go into holes in the switch mechanism.
Hopefully the electrical experts here will recognize it and give you more information.
I'm with John, I've never seen a switch quite like that. Though might it be a low voltage lighting system? Do you have a large panel somewhere that controls all the lights?
The outside dimensions are 2 3/4 by 4 1/2 inches. There is just a normal circuit breaker box. No low voltage system. Every light switch in the house is like this. One is a set of 4 switches. See photo. The house is in Florida and built, I would estimate, around the late 1960s or early 1970s. I’m renting the house for 3 months so have no knowledge of its history. All the switches appear built in. That is, to pry the outside, I would have to disrupt the bond between it and the wall plaster. I’m afraid to try and pry out the rocker switch, itself. But, who knows, it may be able to be popped out.
Why do you need to open it? If renting is the landlord OK with you doing that? If you destroy the switch by opening it can you replace it with something standard?
Sorry - I've never seen anything plastered in quite like that. It's against current code as devices need to be able to be removed without removing or damaging finishings. Not that it's necessarily unsafe or anything, just rather odd to see.
Since none of the other members/mods have commented, I'm thinking they haven't seen this setup either.
I do find it hard to believe that you can't get to the wiring without damaging the wall. Which makes me think the paddle can be pried out too. But I really don't know.
Is there access on the other side of the wall? A blank cover plate, an access panel?
For future reference, let us know if (subject to landlord's agreement) you successfully pry it off, what you find, and if there is any damage.
I tried a Google Image search based on the photos you provided but nothing comes up. Maybe a search with a photo from a distance that shows it as a light switch on a wall would provide a result.
I recently had an electrician install 2 outdoor floodlights and he installed a water resistant box on the wall with a cover over the switch. I
want to replace the switch with a wifi smart switch. Since it is on the inner wall away from moisture is that safe enough and since it is in a box? Do you think the box will interfere with the wifi signal? I want to use a gosund single pole switch. Pictures attached. Is this doable and safe? Thanks.
[img]https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.doityourselft.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/20210219_213035_baee4d3c85f69cb9cffd1b27994db66d5b90bc84.jpg[/img]
[i]Switch box[/i]
[img]https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.doityourselft.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/20210219_213343_969c15b255d7bda6b5a02661d2060f34ff32472a.jpg[/img]
[i]Current switch[/i]
[img]https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.doityourselft.com-vbulletin/900x2000/screenshot_20210219_213806_amazon_shopping_ec0733a75550602cc88e001b049e631d47163bef.jpg[/img]
[i]Gosund smart switch[/i]
Looking to add an outlet in my kitchen. I would like to add it next to a switch that controls my ceiling fan and put them in a box together. It looks as though the power comes to the fan first though as there is only one set of wires to the switch, using white as a hot back to the light. What I'm wondering is if there is some way to wire the outlet with the current wiring I have.
02-19-21, 07:29 AM
