Lamp switch replacement in Exeter
Professional lamp switch replacement services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
20-30 mins
Location
Exeter, Devon
Broken or dodgy lamp switch replaced so your lamp works properly again. Much cheaper than buying a new lamp, especially if it's one you like.
That Lamp You Keep Wiggling
Switch only works if you hold it just right? Have to click it six times before it stays on? Or completely stopped working and now your favourite lamp is just ornamental?
💡 Pro tip: Don't wiggle dodgy switches for months - loose connections get hot and can damage the lamp's internal wiring. Fix it before it causes bigger problems.
Why Fix Rather Than Replace
Decent lamps aren't cheap, and even cheap ones add up. A switch costs a few pounds.
| Repair Cost | Replace Cost | Obvious Choice |
|---|---|---|
| £60 for switch replacement | £30-£200 for new lamp | Keep your lamp |
| Works with lamp you already like | Hope new one looks as good | Sorted in 20 mins |
| Tested and safe | New one might have worse switch | No shopping trip needed |
What You Get
🔧 The Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Diagnose | Confirm it's the switch not something else |
| Access | Open the lamp to reach the wiring |
| Replace | Fit new switch, reconnect wiring |
| Test | Make sure it works safely |
📦 You're Left With
- Working lamp you can actually turn on and off
- Safe, reliable switch
- Lamp you already know and like
- Money saved versus buying new
Pricing Guide
| Scenario | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Simple inline switch | 15-20 mins | £60 |
| Lamp body switch (rotary/pull) | 20-30 mins | £60 |
| Awkward access or tidy wiring | 30-45 mins | £60-£85 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Common switches included, unusual ones charged at cost.
Perfect For Your Situation If...
✅ Favourite lamp - sentimental or expensive
✅ Dodgy switch - unreliable or intermittent
✅ Safety concern - switch gets hot or sparks
✅ Matches decor - finding a replacement would be hassle
Why Choose Us for Lamp switch replacement in Exeter?
Switch replaced with matching type
Lamp tested and working safely
Cheaper than buying new lamp
Quick fix, usually same day
What to Expect
Step 1: Check What's Wrong
I'll test the switch and confirm that's actually the problem. Sometimes it's a loose bulb holder or dodgy plug, not the switch.
Step 2: Replace Switch
Unplug the lamp, access the wiring, fit a new switch. Match the style where possible - rocker for rocker, rotary for rotary.
Step 3: Test Properly
Plug it in, test the switch several times, check it's working smoothly and safely. Make sure nothing rattles or feels loose.
🔧 DIY Tips
Feeling confident with basic electrics? Here's how to do it safely:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Small screwdriver
- Wire strippers
- Replacement switch (measure the old one)
- Electrical tape
- Multimeter if you want to test properly
📐 Doing it safely
- UNPLUG THE LAMP (obvious but critical!)
- Identify switch type - inline cable or built into lamp body
- Open the switch housing carefully
- Note which wire goes where (take a photo!)
- Disconnect old switch
- Connect new switch exactly as old one was wired
- Test before reassembling fully
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Not unplugging it first (seriously, don't)
- Mixing up which wire goes where
- Stripping too much insulation off wires
- Over-tightening screws and cutting through wire
- Not testing before closing everything up
💡 Pro trick: Before disconnecting anything, take multiple photos from different angles. When you're reconnecting, you've got a perfect reference. Especially helpful with multi-way switches or unusual wiring.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🎨 Multiple lamps need fixing? Bring them all. Once I've got the tools out and switches to hand, doing several is much quicker than separate visits.
Really old lamp? Might be worth rewiring the whole thing while I'm at it. Old cloth-covered flex degrades and becomes unsafe. I can advise when I see it.
Can't find a matching switch? I'll fit the closest equivalent. Functionality matters more than exact match - a working rocker switch is better than a broken rotary one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you fix any type of lamp switch?
Most standard table and floor lamps yes - inline switches on the cable, rotary switches on the body, pull-cord switches. Antique lamps or really unusual fittings might need specialist parts. I'll advise when I see it.
Will you have the right switch or do I need to buy one?
I carry common switch types in the van - inline rocker switches, rotary switches, pull-cords. For unusual lamps I might need to source the right switch, but most are standard. I'll tell you before I start if I need to get anything.
Is it safe to use a lamp with a dodgy switch?
Not really - switches fail because connections are loose or corroded. That can cause arcing and potentially start a fire. If your lamp switch feels loose, hot, or sparks when you use it, don't use it until it's fixed.
How long does replacing a lamp switch take?
Usually 20-30 minutes. Unplug the lamp, replace the switch, test it works, job done. Bit longer if it's a tricky lamp to disassemble or the wiring needs tidying up at the same time.
Will it damage my lamp to replace the switch?
No - I'll access the wiring without damaging the lamp body. Sometimes there's a small screw to undo the base, or the switch housing comes apart. Your lamp will look exactly the same, just work properly again.
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Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
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