How to install light fittings correctly in Switzerland
As long as you are well prepared, you can fit a ceiling or wall light yourself, without professional assistance. Follow these nine steps to find out how you can safely connect your light fittings.
11.05.2023
iStock / janiecbros
1. Fitting the ceiling light: how much time do I need?
Hanging lights takes certain DIY skills, the right tools and time. Expect to spend at least an hour on each light.
Read the instructions carefully and check that you have all the necessary parts and tools. Do you not have any instructions? Find out about the correct installation online or, if necessary, from the previous owner of the light.
Spruce up your home with paint
Coloured walls are very popular. When painting there are a few things to keep in mind. Especially for difficult painting work, you should hire a professional painter.
2. Installing lights: what materials do I need?
Lights in their original packaging generally include the right screws, wall plugs and connectors. Is the material not included or do you have a second-hand light? Then you can find the right material in the DIY store.
DIY stores offer a wide range of fittings and different types of connector. Wall plugs, screws and connectors can be bought for less than 10 francs.
Image: connector (source: Adobe Stock / Oleg)
Make sure that your plugs and screws fit each other and can bear the weight of the light. Be aware: you will need special plugs if you are hanging a light from a wooden or plasterboard ceiling. If necessary, get advice from a DIY store.
3. Fitting the light: which tools do I need?
To fit the light, you need the following tools:
A drill
A sufficiently high ladder
A hammer
A pair of pointed pliers
A phase tester (image)
A vacuum cleaner
You will need a drill with a hammer function. You will usually need the hammer function to drill holes in load-bearing walls and ceilings.
You could borrow one from friends or family. DIY stores offer hammer drills starting at 50 francs. You can also rent a drill from the DIY store for less than 20 francs.
What material is my ceiling made of?
Choose the right drill for the surface. There are different drill bits for wood, metal and stone. To find out the material of your ceiling, it is a good idea to do a drill check:
Very fine white-grey drill dust: concrete wall
Red drill dust: brick wall
Sandy white drill dust: sand-lime brick walls
Fine white drill dust that sticks to the drill bit: plasterboard
4. Disconnect the power supply
Switch the power off at the fuse box. Then use the phase tester to check whether or not there is still a current. To do this, hold the tip of the phase tester to the wire.
If the light comes on, there is still electricity present. You must not connect the light in that case. Do not start the installation work until there is no longer any current flowing and the light is no longer lit.
Checking the power supply with a phase tester (source: iStock / Fokusiert)
5. Prepare the drill hole
Mark where you want your holes to be. Be careful with walls: you must not drill over electrical wires.
You might be able to get hold of plans that show exactly where the cabling is. If you don’t have any plans, use a cable locator to find where they are. If in doubt, seek professional assistance.
6. Drill the hole
First put a narrower drill bit in your drill than you will actually need. At a low speed, begin to pre-drill the hole.
Then switch the narrow bit for one that fits your plugs. The hole needs to be deeper than the length of the plug.
| Plug diameter | Bit diameter | Screw diameter |
|---|---|---|
| 6 mm | 6 mm | 4 to 5 mm |
| 8 mm | 8 mm | 4.5 to 6 mm |
| 10 mm | 10 mm | 6 to 8 mm |
7. Insert the plugs
First use the vacuum cleaner to clean out the holes you have drilled. Then insert the plugs into the holes. If you can’t push them in by hand, give them a tap with the hammer.
Does the plug stick out or won’t it go in properly? Then the hole is either too narrow or not deep enough. Use the pliers to remove the plug and go back to step 6.
8. Fit the light and connect the wires correctly
You can now start to fit the light according to the instructions. Connect the wires using the connector,
making sure you match the right wires.
Black, brown or grey wires correspond to the outer conductor (designation L).
The blue cable is the neutral wire (designation N).
The green and yellow cable is the earth conductor (designation PE).
9. Test the light
Put the right kind of bulb in your light, making sure that its wattage corresponds to the light manufacturer’s specifications. Switch the power on again at the fuse box and test the light.
Does the light not work? First, check the bulb for faults. Then check that the wires are connected properly and are firmly in place.
10. Have a professional install your lights
If you’ve put up a light yourself but can’t get it to work, you should get professional assistance. Electricians will charge around 200 francs per light on average.
This article was first published on 23.11.2020
