You have bought a new lamp or want to replace an old one? In Switzerland, you are allowed to install your own lamp as long as no electrical wiring is altered. But which cable color goes where when installing a lamp? And how much does it cost if an electrician needs to install it? In this article, you will learn how to safely and easily install and hang a lamp, which color codes the cables have, and when it makes sense to hire a professional.
- In Switzerland, lamps may be installed by oneself as long as no electrical wiring is altered.
- Required tools: drill, ladder, hammer, voltage tester, terminal block, and suitable lamp.
- Cable colors: yellow-green (protective conductor), blue (neutral conductor), brown/black/red (phase conductor).
- Costs for electricians: 80 to 200 CHF per lamp if sockets or switches are changed.
- Double-insulated lamps do not require a protective conductor and are marked with a double square symbol.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools 🛠
To safely install a lamp, you will need:
- Drill: With a hammer function for drilling into solid ceilings and walls. You can find these in hardware stores from 50 francs or rent one for under 20 francs.
- Ladder: Stable and high enough to access the lamp connection.
- Hammer: Needed to securely insert wall anchors or make minor adjustments to the fixture.
- Voltage tester: To check if there is power in the wiring.
- Connector block: To connect the different cables.
- Lamp with the appropriate light bulb.
Step 2: Turn Off & Check the Power ⚠️
Before installing the lamp, you must turn off the circuit breaker. Do not just turn off the light switch, but flip the circuit breaker in the fuse box or switch it off.
With a voltage tester, you can check if there is still power in the wiring. If the red light on the voltage tester lights up, power is still present – in this case, the circuit breaker must be checked again.
Once the power is off, the connector block comes into play. A connector block connects the different wires. If no connector block is available, you should install one. These can be bought cheaply in hardware stores. To install the connector block, loosen the small screws. Be careful not to loosen the screws too much – just enough for the wires to pass through without the screws falling out.
Step 3: Connect the Wires 🔌
Which cable color goes where when installing a lamp?
| Cable Type | New Color | Old Color (if applicable) |
| Live Wire (L) | Brown, Black, or Red | White or Black |
| Ground Wire (PE) | Yellow-Green | Yellow-Red or not present |
| Neutral Wire (N) | Blue | Yellow |
The Live Wire
The live wire (abbreviation L) comes in different colors. It can be red, black, or white, but in modern installations, it is typically brown.
The Ground Wire
The ground wire (also called earth, abbreviation PE) is nowadays marked with yellow-green. However, be aware that in older installations (e.g., in old buildings), the ground wire may still be yellow-red, and in some cases, it may not be present at all.
The Neutral Wire
The neutral wire (also called the neutral conductor, abbreviation N) is typically blue. However, there has been a color change over time, so in older installations, it may also be yellow.
How to Proceed:
- Connect the ground wire (yellow-green or yellow-red) to the lamp’s ground wire.
- Connect the neutral wire (blue or yellow) to the lamp’s neutral wire.
- Connect the live wire (brown, black, or red) to the lamp’s live wire.
If your ground wire is missing (e.g., in old buildings), consult an electrician. If you try to install a lamp that is not double insulated, this can be dangerous. Once all wires are connected, tighten the screws of the connector block. Regarding the electrical part, your lamp is now connected.
Step 4: Prepare the Drill Holes & Mount the Lamp 🔩
Before attaching the lamp, mark the drill holes on the ceiling or wall. Be careful not to choose locations above electrical wires. If no construction plans are available, use a wire detector to identify hidden cables. If you are unsure, consult a professional.
Use a drill bit with a smaller diameter to pre-drill the hole. Then select a drill bit that matches the wall anchor. The hole should be slightly deeper than the length of the anchor to ensure a secure hold.
| Anchor Size | Drill Diameter | Matching Screw Size |
| 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 |
Vacuum out the hole before inserting the anchor. If the anchor does not go in by hand, tap it gently with a hammer. If it sticks out, the hole may be too small or too shallow – in this case, remove the anchor and adjust the hole.
Once the wires are connected and the fixture is installed, secure the lamp:
- For a hanging lamp: Slide the ceiling cover up to hide the wire.
- For a wall lamp: Secure it with screws to the wall or ceiling.
Step 5: Test the New Lamp 💡
Insert the appropriate light bulb into the lamp socket and turn the circuit breaker back on. Now you can test your newly installed lamp. If it does not work, first check the light bulb before turning off the circuit breaker again and checking the lamp’s wiring connections.
When Should an Electrician Install a Lamp? ⚡👷♂️
If you need to install a new socket or modify a switch, you will need a professional. In Switzerland, there are clear regulations on when electrical work can be carried out by non-professionals. If you are uncertain, it is advisable to hire an electrician.
Your Path to a Perfectly Installed Lamp 💡🔧
Installing a lamp is manageable for beginners with the right preparation and care. From choosing the right tools to safely connecting the wires and securing the fixture, following these steps will allow you to install your lamp easily and safely.
If you are unsure or planning a complex installation, it is advisable to consult a professional. This ensures that everything is installed properly and safely.
If you need to install a new power outlet or modify a switch, you must hire a professional electrician. In Switzerland, there are strict regulations on when non-professionals can carry out electrical work. If you are uncertain, it is highly recommended to hire an electrician.
Frequently asked questions
1.) How do I install a lamp safely and correctly?
To install a lamp safely and correctly, first ensure that the power is turned off. Attach the bracket to the ceiling, connect the wires according to the color codes (black to black, blue to blue, green/yellow to ground), and secure the lamp. Pay attention to the maximum wattage of the lamp and use appropriate tools. If in doubt, it is advisable to hire a professional through MOVU.
2.) What are the colors of electrical cables in Switzerland and what do they mean?
In Switzerland, the colors of electrical cables are standardized. The most common colors are: brown for the phase (L), blue for the neutral conductor (N), and green-yellow for the protective conductor (PE). These color codes serve safety and clear identification of cable types. If you have questions about electrical installations or moves involving electrical connections, feel free to contact MOVU.
3.) What tools and materials do I need to install a lamp?
To install a lamp, you typically need a screwdriver, pliers, possibly a drill, as well as dowels and screws. Ensure that the lamp is suitable for the respective ceiling or wall type. In Switzerland, you should also observe local regulations regarding electrical installations. If in doubt, it is advisable to hire a professional through MOVU.
4.) Are there any special tips for installing ceiling and wall lamps?
When installing ceiling and wall lamps in Switzerland, you should ensure that local regulations regarding electrical installations are observed. Use appropriate tools and materials to ensure safety. Make sure to turn off the power supply before installation. If in doubt, it is advisable to consult a professional. MOVU offers you the opportunity to find qualified craftsmen for such work.
5.) How do I handle different types of lamps (e.g., LED, halogen) during installation?
When installing different types of lamps such as LED and halogen, you should ensure that the fixtures are suitable for the respective lamp type. Check the wattage and compatibility with the existing circuit. In Switzerland, regulations regarding energy efficiency must also be observed. MOVU recommends consulting a professional in case of uncertainty to ensure safety and functionality.
