When is the right time to install switchgear during a renovation?

You are in the middle of a renovation and soon notice that everything is coming together. Electricity, plasterwork, painting or wallpapering all merge and then the question naturally arises as to when you should install switchgear. This moment ultimately determines how sleek and neat the end result looks.

If switchgear is installed too early, there is a risk of damage, cracks in the plasterwork or sloppy edges around the cover frames. By carrying out the work in the correct order and not rushing it, you will avoid unnecessary repair work and frustration afterwards.

In this blog you can read when it is best to install switchgear during a renovation and how a logical sequence ensures peace of mind in the work and a perfectly finished result.

Everything starts with the preparation of the wall and the flush-mounted boxes

You always start by drilling the holes in the wall. The flush-mounted boxes are placed in these openings and the wiring is installed. In this phase everything revolves around technology and functionality. The appearance comes later and that's exactly as it should be.

The plasterer then gets to work. The walls are finished completely smooth and the flush-mounted boxes disappear under a sleek layer of plasterwork. That can feel tense for a moment, but this is a normal part of a good finish.

It is important to think ahead now. Before plastering, measure accurately where each flush-mounted box is located. Measure from fixed points such as the floor, ceiling or a corner and record these measurements. By writing down exactly where the center of each flush-mounted box is located, you can easily find them again later, even when the wall has been completely finished.

The right time after plastering prevents cracks and repair work

About 24 hours after the plasterer has finished, you are at the right time to release the flush-mounted boxes again. The plasterwork will then be sufficiently dried, but not yet completely hardened. This allows the material to open in a controlled manner without damage to the surrounding wall.

If you let the plasterwork dry longer, it will be more difficult to free the flush-mounted boxes. The plaster becomes harder and more brittle, which can cause cracks to appear beyond the edge of the flush-mounted box during opening. You want to avoid this, because these cracks can later become visible around the cover frame.

Make a small hole in the center of each flush-mounted box and enlarge it in a calm and controlled manner. It is important that the opening always remains smaller than the flush-mounted box itself. This way you prevent damage outside the flush-mounted box and you can be sure that the cover frames will cover everything completely and tightly.

Livolo's switching material is not large and fits easily in a flush-mounted box. An opening of about fifty millimeters is therefore more than sufficient. You can easily pierce the two M3 countersunk screws, which are 60mm apart, through the plasterwork with a screwdriver, without removing the plasterwork any further.

This is a phase where careful work really makes the difference. Consciously take your time for this and also ensure that the person carrying out this gets this time. Haste at this stage almost always leads to damage outside the flush-mounted box, which later becomes visible behind the cover frame.

This may involve a little more time or costs, but this is an investment that pays for itself immediately. By working calmly and accurately now, you will avoid repair work later and the plasterwork around the flush-mounted box will remain tight and undamaged. What you do neatly here ultimately determines how perfect and luxurious the end result looks.

Why old switching material must always be removed before plastering

Before the plastering begins, it is important that all old switchgear is completely removed. This not only means the cover frames and switches, but also the interior. Nothing should be left behind in or on the wall.

Old switchgear may never be plastered. If parts remain in place, the plasterwork cannot be applied tightly and height differences or cracks will occur around the flush-mounted box. This causes problems later when installing new switchgear and is always at the expense of the end result.

By completely removing everything in advance, the plasterer can give the wall a flat and even finish. This gives you space later to install the new switchgear neatly and tightly without having to correct or update. It is precisely this preparation that ensures that the switching material ultimately fits nicely and that the whole looks neat and professional.

Good consultation with the plasterer will save you a lot of frustration later

Not every plasterer works the same way. Some plasterers clear the holes quickly so they can continue. That seems useful, but this is precisely where damage often occurs.

Make it clear that you want the holes carefully opened. Explain that working tightly is more important than speed. If the plasterer finds this too time-consuming, plan extra time for this or have someone else do it.

The extra time you invest here will be recouped later in a sleek end result without any additional work.

Fitting the metal mounting frames provides security

When all flush-mounted boxes are visible again, you can fit the metal mounting frames. These frames are supplied with the cover frames.

You are not installing the metal mounting frames at this time. You temporarily place the frame in the center of the flush-mounted box and take a leisurely look around the frame. You check whether the frame lies flat against the wall and whether it covers everything neatly all around.

No damage, cracks or open spots should be visible around the frame. The frame should soon cover everything tightly. If you see irregularities or imperfections along the edges, this is the time to have them touched up before continuing with the finishing.

Correcting now is easy. Later it is much more difficult.

Painting is always done before the switchgear is mounted

Only when everything is neatly flat and tight can the painter get to work. Whether you have it rolled or sprayed, you should never install switchgear before painting.

If the wall is painted in two layers, we recommend installing the metal mounting frames after the first layer. You place them tightly, level and neatly together. Then cover only the front with masking tape and apply the second coat of paint.

This way the paint fits perfectly and you can be sure that everything will be covered nicely.

If one layer of paint is sufficient, only install the metal frames after painting and then assemble the switching material.

When it comes to wallpapering, the right approach creates a luxurious appearance

If you are going to wallpaper the walls, we recommend that you wallpaper completely over the flush-mounted boxes. You don't cut anything out and let everything flow smoothly.

Then punch a small hole in the center of the flush-mounted box and make a subtle cross that remains completely within the flush-mounted box. Then place the metal mounting frame and carefully fold the wallpaper inwards.

The frame will then lie on the wallpaper and the wall will have a completely smooth finish. You can carefully remove any excess wallpaper. When loosening the screws, work calmly so that the wallpaper does not tear.

The actual installation of switchgear always comes last

You only install switchgear when everything has been completely completed. The plasterwork is neatly finished, the walls are painted or wallpapered and everything is sleek, flat and clean. Only at this stage is the right time to install sockets and touch switches.

By mounting sockets and touch switches By consciously saving it until the end, you prevent damage during finishing and everything remains in perfect condition. This ensures a result that is not only technically correct, but also radiates tranquility and luxury.

And that is exactly the difference between standard switching material and carefully mounted sockets and touch switches that really complete your interior.

Frequently asked questions about installing switchgear during a renovation

When is the right time to install switchgear during a renovation?
The right time to install switching material is only when the plasterwork has been completely completed and the walls have been painted or wallpapered. By waiting until all finishing has been completed, you prevent damage to the switching material and the end result remains sleek and neat.

Should switchgear be installed before or after plastering?
Switchgear is always installed after plastering. During plastering, the flush-mounted boxes disappear under a layer of plasterwork and this is necessary for a sleek wall finish. The switching material itself may not yet be mounted on this.

Why are flush-mounted boxes plastered?
Flush-mounted boxes are plastered so that the wall is finished completely flat. This means that cover frames fit tightly to the wall later and there are no open edges or height differences around the switching material.

When do I release the flush-mounted boxes after plastering?
Ideally, you should free the flush-mounted boxes approximately twenty-four hours after plastering. The plasterwork has then been sufficiently tightened but has not yet fully hardened, allowing you to work in a controlled manner without cracks or damage.

What happens if I wait too long to free the flush-mounted boxes?
If you wait too long, the plasterwork will become harder and more brittle. As a result, opening the flush-mounted boxes can lead to cracks that extend outside the flush-mounted box. These cracks may later remain visible behind the cover frame.

How big should the opening in the plasterwork be?
The opening in the plasterwork must always remain smaller than the flush-mounted box. For Livolo switching material, an opening of approximately fifty millimeters is sufficient. This way you can be sure that the cover frame will completely cover everything.

Do I also have to clear the screw holes immediately?
Yes, you can carefully pierce the screw holes through the plasterwork with a screwdriver. The screw holes are sixty millimeters apart and do not need to be milled out. Gently puncturing prevents damage to the wall.

Do the metal mounting frames have to be mounted directly?
No, the metal mounting frames are only fitted first. You use this moment to check whether the frame is flat and whether it covers everything neatly around it. Final installation only takes place after painting or wallpapering.

What should I pay attention to when fitting the metal frames?
Make sure that the frame lies flat against the wall and that there are no visible damages, cracks or open spots around it. The frame should soon cover everything tightly. If you see any irregularities, this is the time to have them updated.

When do I install switchgear during painting?
When painting, always install the switching material after painting. If the wall is painted in two layers, the metal mounting frames can be placed after the first layer. After the second layer, you finally install the switching material.

How do I deal with switching material when wallpapering?
When wallpapering, wallpaper is completely covered over the flush-mounted boxes. Then make a small hole and a subtle cross in the middle of the flush-mounted box. The wallpaper is folded inwards and the metal frame is placed on top for a sleek result.

Why is it important not to rush when installing switchgear?
Haste is one of the biggest causes of a sloppy end result. By taking enough time and adhering to the correct order, you can prevent damage that remains visible later. Extra time in this phase ensures peace of mind in the work and a perfectly finished appearance.

What is the advantage of installing switchgear last?
By installing switchgear last, it remains protected during plastering, painting and wallpapering. The end result is sleeker, more durable and looks more luxurious without visible repair spots or damage.