I am going to rent this place, and the light switches and plug-ins need replaced. Can I just buy these from lowe's or will I need to go to a mobile home supply store?
2007-07-12 14:45:56 · 6 answers · asked by mel s 6 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
This really depends on whether the switches and outlets are self-contained, or box mounted. Some manufacturers use boxes, some don't. If youve got the type without a box, then you will either have to buy the same type, or install a box to use standard outlets. Also - the cover plates are different. A self contained outlet or switch will use a snap on cover, as opposed to one that is secured with screws with standard outlets.
The self contained outlets have a "wing tab" on them which grips the backside of the sheetrock. You can purchase outlet boxes with the same kind of tab. The advantage to these, is that you do not have to mount the box to a stud... it holds itself in place by pinching the wall, therefore you have a little more freedom in placement.
Look at an existing switch.... if it has the mounting screws at top and bottom center, then you can use standard switches. BUT, if you see 2 screws at opposite corners of the switch...then youve got the wing tab type, or 'self contained'. Same goes for the outlets.
You can get new outlets and switches of this type at mobile home suppliers, or even through dealerships (they can order them from the manufacturer for you)
Oh, by the way.... the normal wire pattern for most mobile homes... the power lines are run around the walls, usually about the height of the outlets.. and then UP to switches and ceiling fixtures. Its not too uncommon to see a switch with a couple of wires coming in from underneath it, and another out the top. One of the wires coming up from underneath will be the power supply, the other will be a runner to an outlet. The one going out the top will goto a ceiling fixture.
One more item... the 'self contained' outlets and switches - with the wing tabs... have a removable back. Typically, the wire is run thru the front casing of the receptacle or switch, the wires are pressed into the proper slots, and the back is inserted. IF you switch to standard outlets.... you will need to cut some of these wires, in order to mount them to the side screws. ( I agree with another person who answered on here, don't use the push slots, Ive pulled too many outlets out of walls where the wire wasnt inserted properly, and either popped out, or was already out) So -- If you need to cut some of these wires.. make sure you have plenty of play in the wire where you cut it. A lot of manufacturers will anchor the wires in place with wire staples.
:) dont forget to shut off the power before working on any of these :)
Have Fun
2007-07-12 20:34:15 · answer #1 · answered by thewrangler_sw 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Standard Light Switch
2016-12-29 20:01:57 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mobile Home Light Switch
2016-10-06 05:47:06 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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RE:
1995 mobile home. Will standard plug-in and light switch replacements work?
I am going to rent this place, and the light switches and plug-ins need replaced. Can I just buy these from lowe's or will I need to go to a mobile home supply store?
2015-08-13 07:11:29 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, standard switches and outlets will work. If you want to save a little money buy the 10 pack boxes. They sell for about $6.00 for a box. Otherwise the "top shelf" outlets go for about $5.00 each, and you can actually find $40.00 light switches. GFI outlets are considerably more expensive than standard, but make sure that any exterior outlet is GFI and any interior outlet within 2' of running water is GFI as well.
2007-07-12 15:28:11 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You have a bad switch. The way to test it is to remove the switch. If the light is out the switch is bad. If the light just gets dim, you may have not connected the wires correctly at the fixture. If the light does just get dim with the switch disconnected, you have a hot neutral (white wire). In some applications the hot wire for a light fixture is in the ceiling instead of the wall. Locate the hot wire, (usually black) be sure it is NOT connected directly to the light fixture. The hot wire should be connected to one of the wires from the switch. The second line from the switch should be connected to the hot side of the fixture, the neutral in the ceiling connects to the other side of the light. If none of the above cures your problem, you need an electrician to check your wiring, you may have a bigger problem.
2016-03-22 19:18:11 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes they will work I had to replace quite a few in my 99 mobile.A word of advice don't use the push in connectors attach the wires to the screws on the side.Every electrical problem I had was caused by a failure in the push in connector contact.
2007-07-12 15:57:38 · answer #7 · answered by Amy m 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would replace them with plastic wall and switch boxes and use standard outlets and switches the ones that are in there now are so cheep I would not trust nor would I sleep in one unless i did above
2007-07-12 14:50:37 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋