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.
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.
Häufig gestellte Fragen zum Lampen montieren ❓
1.) Which cable color goes where when installing a lamp?
Yellow-Green → Ground Wire (PE)
Blue → Neutral Wire (N)
Brown, Black, or Red → Live Wire (L)
2.) Can I install a lamp myself in Switzerland?
Yes, as long as no new wiring is installed or existing sockets are modified.
3.) Which cable connects where on the lamp?
Always connect matching colors:
Yellow-Green to Yellow-Green
Blue to Blue
Brown/Black to Brown/Black
4.) How much does it cost to have an electrician install a lamp?
The cost ranges between 80 and 200 CHF per lamp.
5.) How can I tell if a lamp is double insulated?
Double insulated lamps are marked with a double square symbol and do not require a ground wire.
6.) Which anchor is suitable for my lamp?
- Solid walls: Plastic anchors
- Drywall: Hollow wall anchors
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.
