Light fittings and switches

The short answer

Replacing a like-for-like fitting or switch is a short job for a qualified electrician, usually several in one visit. New circuits, new lighting points, and anything in a bathroom zone are notifiable work under the building standards and need the right competence and paperwork.

What the work involves

Isolating the circuit, testing dead, checking the existing loop-in wiring and earthing, fitting the new unit, and testing insulation and polarity before signing the work off.

Rules and responsibilities in Scotland

Electrical work in Scotland must comply with BS 7671 and the building standards. Some work needs a building warrant; a registered electrician issues the certificate. Older Edinburgh flats frequently have no earth at the lighting point, which rules out metal fittings without a rewire of that drop.

What commonly goes wrong

Fitting a metal pendant to an unearthed lighting point, and using dimmer switches that are not rated for the LED lamps installed.

What it usually costs

Indicative ranges only, to help you judge a quote. They are not an estimate for your property — only the business doing the work can give you that.

• Batching several fittings into one visit is far cheaper per fitting.
• Ceiling height matters — high tenement ceilings need a tower or a second person.
• No earth at the rose means additional work before a metal fitting can go up.

What to do, in order

1. 1List every fitting and switch you want changed.
2. 2Check whether the lighting circuit has an earth.
3. 3Buy the fittings ahead, with LED-compatible dimmers where needed.
4. 4Book one visit for the lot.
5. 5Keep the certificate with the property paperwork.

Local detail for the Lothians

• Ceiling roses in Edinburgh tenements are often original plaster and need care rather than force.
• Many pre-1970s Lothians properties have unearthed lighting circuits.
• Listed and conservation-area interiors may restrict what can be altered around cornicing.

When you need a professional

Use an electrician registered with SELECT or NICEIC, particularly for anything in a bathroom or a new circuit.

Common questions

Can I change a light fitting myself in Scotland?

Like-for-like replacement is not itself notifiable, but if there is no earth, or the fitting is in a bathroom zone, it needs a registered electrician.

Do I get a certificate for small electrical work?

A registered electrician issues a minor works certificate. Keep it — buyers' solicitors ask.

Related pages

• Extra sockets and USB points

  Adding sockets so a room stops running on trailing extension leads.

• Bathroom and kitchen extractor fans

  Replacing or upgrading extraction so condensation and mould stop coming back.

• Grab rails, handrails and access

  Small adaptations that make a home safer to stay in — fitted so they take real weight.