2 Way Switch Replacement - Different Terminals

[bobzy20]

Hi,

I'm replacing one of the 2 way switches with a dimmer switch and just wanted to check as the terminals are labelled different.

Old 2 way switch has terminals labelled - L1 (black wire with brown sleeve), L2 (grey wire with brown sleeve) and Com (brown wire)

New dimmer switch has terminals labelled - L1, L and Load.

Can somebody please advice which wires go where?

The power is off!

Thanks very much.

 

[securespark]

Can you post a picture here?

 

[bobzy20]

Photos attached.

 

[FrodoOne]

The "original" switch is a Single Pole Double Throw (SPDT) switch and is being used as a Two-Way switch.
There will be another switch which controls the light concerned.

The connection diagram for the DETA SP0082 "Dimmer Switch" is shown at https://shop.powerwholesale.co.uk/P...Dimmer Instructions For Fitting VARILIGHT.pdf
(You should have received a copy of this with the Dimmer Switch.)

The instructions indicate
"2-way lighting circuits have two switches turning the same loads on and off from two different locations (e.g. at the top and bottom of the stairs),however only one of these can be a dimmer switch, the other must be a 2-way switch. Follow the wiring in Figure 2."

This figure (2) indicates that the DETA Sp0082 "Dimmer Switch" must be the switch feeding the Light and
NOT the first switch, with the incoming Line.

 

[bobzy20]

Hi,

Thanks for the reply.

I did receive those instructions but still wasn’t sure how to wire. The other switch within the room controlling the same lights is the same switch type as the original.

So are you saying that the new dimmer switch cannot be used with the current setup? If so, can you recommend a dimmer switch that will work or does there need to some amendments made on both switches?

Thanks for your help.

 

[FrodoOne]

The new Dimmer Switch will work if it is the one (of the two) at which the "Output" is connected to the Lamp/Luminaire.
It cannot work if it is the one to which the incoming Line is connected.

can you recommend a dimmer switch that will work

No. Not from this distance.
In Australia, "compound" Dimmers/Switches are not used.
We use Wall-Plates in which BOTH Dimmers and Switches are installed, with the Dimming and Switching functions always separate
with one "switching/controlling" the other, as required.

If you do need to install a "dimmer" at this location, you should be able to install a separate "Dimmer" (adjacent to the switch) in series with the "Feed" (Brown insulated wire) in a UK "Two Gang" Switch-Plate.

does there need to some amendments made on both switches?

Otherwise, amendments may need to be made to the "connections/feeds".

 

[EFLImpudence]

The new Dimmer Switch will work if it is the one (of the two) at which the "Output" is connected to the Lamp/Luminaire.
It cannot work if it is the one to which the incoming Line is connected.

But - as there is 3 core & E between the switches then they can be arranged to overcome that restriction.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Please post a picture of the wiring at the other switch.

 

[bobzy20]

Thanks for all the replies, see attached 2nd switch. This switch would probably be the main switch as its located at the main entrance to the room.

Looks like this switch is up side down with the Com terminal at the bottom.

We have 1x grey (brown sleeve) and 2x light brown wire feeding L1 and 1x grey (brown sleeve) and 1x light brown feeding L2 and 1x light brown feeding the Com terminal.

 

[EFLImpudence]

There are five wires in the switch including a grey.

Please be more accurate.

 

[EFLImpudence]

The first diagram is what you have now and the second is with dimmer.

I cannot tell which colour is which from the pictures so you will have to work it out from which wires are in a 3 core+E cable and which are from a twin & earth - represented by the oval shapes.
Then rewire with the cables in red being in different terminals.