Step-by-Step Tutorial: Replacing Simon Electrical Sockets, Switches & WAGO Wiring
Pro electrician guide: replacing burnt wall sockets, two-way switches and LED lights safely, identifying Live, Neutral and Earth according to electrical safety standards.
Informational Notice: This tutorial and its instructions are provided strictly for general educational and informational purposes. They do not constitute binding technical advice or formal engineering recommendations. If you lack prior experience or tools, we advise contacting a certified Handyman Tenerife professional.
Before You Begin: Safety Protocol
- Switch off the specific circuit breaker (C1 lighting or C2 general sockets) at the consumer unit. If unsure, shut off the Main Switch (IGA).
- ALWAYS verify zero voltage with your multimeter before touching bare copper cores.
- Never work with wet hands or standing on damp floors.
- For comprehensive rewiring or older installations lacking earth wiring, check our lighting & electrical handyman services in Tenerife.
📦 Materials Required
- ✓ 1x Certified new electrical mechanism (Schuko socket, light switch or 2-way switch)
- ✓ 1x Matching decorative faceplate surround and rocker switch
- ✓ 3x WAGO 221 lever-lock connectors for safe junction wire taps
- ✓ 1x Roll of flame-retardant PVC electrical tape
- ✓ 1x Pack of 3x25mm universal mechanism box screws
🛠️ Recommended Tools
- 🔧 Approved digital multimeter or contact voltage tester pen
- 🔧 1000V VDE insulated electrician screwdrivers (Flat 3.5mm and Pozidriv PZ1)
- 🔧 Automatic wire stripper with 11mm strip length stop
- 🔧 Diagonal wire cutters and needle-nose pliers
- 🔧 Rechargeable LED headlamp (essential with house power disconnected)
📋 Step-by-Step Project Guide
Removing old mechanism & safety check
Prise off the old decorative frame with a flat screwdriver. Unscrew the metal frame from the flush box and pull the mechanism out gently. Re-test all terminal screws with your voltage tester to verify 0V.
Take a clear smartphone photo of the wiring layout before disconnecting, especially on two-way or intermediate light switches.
Stripping and preparing copper conductors
Release wires from old terminals. If copper ends show signs of discolouration or oxidation, trim back and strip exactly 11mm of fresh insulation without scoring the copper core.
Clean, unoxidized copper ensures minimal contact resistance and eliminates overheating when high-draw appliances are connected.
Wiring terminals per color codes
On a Schuko socket: connect Live (Brown/Black/Grey) to terminal 'L', Neutral (Blue) to terminal 'N', and Earth (Green/Yellow) to the central safety earth terminal. On push-in Simon mechanisms, push the wire straight in until it locks.
Give each wire a gentle tug test after insertion to confirm the internal spring clamp is securely gripping the conductor.
Folding cables into backbox & securing metal chassis
Fold wires in an 'S' wave back into the cavity so they aren't crushed behind the frame. Center the metal chassis and drive the two universal screws into the box lugs, checking vertical level.
Do not overtighten frame screws to the point of bending the metal chassis; it must remain flat for the snap-on faceplate to seat cleanly.
Snapping faceplate and live circuit load testing
Snap the rocker/socket cover and outer surround frame into place. Turn the mains breaker back on. Plug in a socket tester or test lamp to verify proper polarity and earth continuity.
If the RCD/GFCI trip switch pops upon reconnection, inspect whether Neutral and Earth wires are accidentally touching inside the backbox.
📊 Technical Specifications Sheet
| Cable gauge by circuit type | 1.5 mm² for Lighting (C1) / 2.5 mm² for General Power Sockets (C2) |
|---|---|
| Wire color code standard | Live: Brown/Black/Grey | Neutral: Blue | Earth: Green/Yellow |
| Operating voltage & frequency | 230 V single-phase / 50 Hz alternating current (AC) |
| Schuko socket rated current | 16 A / 250 V~ with side safety ground clips |
🧱 Wall Anchor Selection Guide for Tenerife
Universal flush-mount backbox in brick or block wall
Recommended Plug: Screw fixing into universal backbox lugs (expansion claws only in legacy unthreaded boxes)
💡 Always use faceplate screws driven into backbox lugs. Avoid old expansion claws which can pinch or strip internal insulation.
Drywall / Plasterboard flush box
Recommended Plug: Drywall cavity backboxes with front-tightening clamping tabs
💡 Tighten backbox clamping lugs carefully to avoid crushing the plasterboard drywall core.
🧹 Maintenance & Aftercare Tips
- Inspect heavy-appliance sockets (water heater, oven, washing machine) annually for heat marks or loose plug fit.
- Replace any switch or socket immediately if you notice sparking or cracked plastic housing.
- Upgrade traditional halogen downlights to high-efficiency LED spotlights to reduce energy bills.
❓ Frequently Asked Installation Questions
Q: What is the difference between a single-pole switch, two-way switch, and intermediate switch?
A: A single-pole switch controls light from 1 position (2 wires). A 2-way switch controls light from 2 points like bedrooms or hallways (3 wires). An intermediate cross-switch is fitted between two 2-way switches to control light from 3 or more locations (4 wires).
Q: Is it dangerous if a socket has no Earth grounding wire?
A: Yes. In the event of an appliance insulation breakdown, fault current could discharge through a person rather than tripping the RCD breaker. We recommend inspecting older wiring with our electrical handyman service.
Q: How much does it cost to replace electrical switches and sockets in Tenerife?
A: At Manitas Tenerife we change sockets and switches quickly and cleanly. Check our handyman rates or choose a Handyman Pass for a full home mechanism upgrade.
Prefer a professional handyman to install it for you?
Save time and tool costs. At Handyman Tenerife, we come equipped with professional materials and specialized anchors for your exact wall type.
💬 Request Quote via WhatsApp (+34 657 674 026)