Repairing/replacing Bakelite Switches

[amase]

Hi, I have a 1940's investment property that I'm renovating.

In order to put in a new stove I have been told it needs to be rewired. The house has old rubber wiring.

The house has lovely art deco bakelite light switches that I want to retain and the electrician says they need to be replaced to conform to new safety standards. He wants to replace them with modern switches which I don't want and he's getting very pushy about it.

Can someone please advise whether these switches can be made safety compliant without having them changed or whether I can source new ones that do conform. Also, is it possible to keep the cover and replace the mechanism inside?

thanks, Anastasia

[NCArcher]

I don't believe the existing switches can be made to conform. However look at the Clipsal Heratige range of gear.
http://www.clipsal.com.au/trade/products/power_points_and_light_switches/heritage

Your electrician may not have told you about them because they are a real pain in the #$%&^ to fit but they do look good when finished.

[Tools]

Without wanting to start ww3, what is it about them that makes them non compliant?

[NCArcher]

Without seeing the exact switches it could be a number of things.
Exposure of live terminals without having to use a 'tool' could be one. Or even insulation ratings.
Just guessing.

[amase]

Thanks for your responses.

Unfortunately the Clipsal website doesn't have the type of switch I'm after. The ones in the house are rectangular and made from bakelite.

I have found it at a website in Queensland. See link below.

http://www.palesinstyle.com.au/artdeco_whole.htm

My electrician has said that purchasing from such a website is not reliable. I don't know whether he's just saying that or whether there's any truth in the statement. They are more expensive but I'm willing to pay the extra cost.

[SilentButDeadly]

If you would like to shop locally (and personally) then might I suggest http://www.perioddetails.com.au/index.html in Hawthorn.

Your sparky probably doesn't want to risk his money on the internet....and he's got a point. If push comes to shove then offer to buy them yourself for him to fit.

[droog]

Try Schots Home Emporium in Clifton Hill, http://www.schots.com.au/ have seen the bakelite range of switches in the shop but cannot find them on their website.
Unsure of price.

Regards Dave

[abitfishy]

Sounds like your electrician couldn't be bothered to the truth. Whatever happened to keeping the client happy? I know what I'd be doing!! :)

[elkangorito]

Thanks for your responses.

Unfortunately the Clipsal website doesn't have the type of switch I'm after. The ones in the house are rectangular and made from bakelite.

I have found it at a website in Queensland. See link below.

http://www.palesinstyle.com.au/artdeco_whole.htm

My electrician has said that purchasing from such a website is not reliable. I don't know whether he's just saying that or whether there's any truth in the statement. They are more expensive but I'm willing to pay the extra cost.


If the switches listed on the above website do not conform to any Australian Standards (as integral items ie one piece), particularly AS 3000, an electrician may legally choose not to install them.

[Uncle Bob]

He also might be a bit bummed out if he's losing 20 - 25% margin (maybe more if he doesn't pass them on at trade price).

[amase]

Hi Dave, I took your advice and contacted schots. Fortunately the switches were in stock and on sale! I picked them up today.

The switches are manufactured in S.A. by Classic Electric switch company, they have a clipsal mechanism and come with a life time warranty. They are a beautiful piece of art - exactly what I was after. My sparky was happy to install them too.

I guess it was my lucky day.

Thanks for your posts - they were a great help.

Anastasia

[nev25]

He also might be a bit bummed out if he's losing 20 - 25% margin (maybe more if he doesn't pass them on at trade price).

Got to make a living somehow

[dan76]

amase, any chance of posting a pic of the back of one of the switches?

[amase]

This is what the back of the switch looks like.

cheers,

[dan76]

thanks amase