ok, firstly lets get something straight; I have never asked for any sort of step-by-step how-to on this! If you read the original question I said exactly what hardware I was thinking of replacing the existing stuff with and just wanted opinions as to whether this was sufficient.
Many people here seem to be somewhat opinionated (ummm... quite politely put I think), so I think it is time for me to express my opinion on something; I feel that the idea of wide-spread DIY bodging is somewhat exaggerated (the sceptic may say by the trade!). The majority of people in the world are sensible enough to either only tackle what they are capable of doing, or get someone in that does. Ok, there are some idiots out there, but be realistic, there are more idiotic drivers on the roads endangering the innocent every day than nutters doing dangerous DIY!
I have a family and they are the most important thing in the world to me. I would NEVER do any sort of DIY bodge that would result in putting them in any sort of danger. If I don't feel capable of doing a job I will not attempt it. To be totally honest there are so many dodgy builders, plumbers, electricians etc. around (and before you all jump on your high horses I am NOT implying that any of you are amongst these) I am always very cautious about letting anyone I do not know carry out work on MY home. Reputation is paramount.
Just to also clarify something mentioned in an earlier post, as I have said, professionally I moved into the electronics & software field. I am a long standing member of a number of forums/Q&A services (all free) that I offer my advice to each and every day. So no, I am not in any way secretive about my field of expertise and offer it freely and willingly. I am also a mentor to a number of young engineers. In my business, sharing does nothing more than create innovation... The secretiveness and paranoia of the electrician community has taken me by surprise!
Anyway, this is my last post on this topic. Thanks a lot for those of you who have provided helpful and informative responses. I'm afraid that the rest of you have made me feel like I have not so much asked for some straightforward advice, but stumbled in on some sort of Freemasons meeting! This is however one meeting that I will not be returning to.
Be happy...
