Wiring up a dimmer switch

Colin0863 · 10 Nov 2007

I have recently purchased a dimmer switch with L1 L2 & C on the back, assuming that it would be a nice easy job replacing what I assumed was a standard wall switch. However having taken the switch off the wall there are 4 wires into for holes, the two wires from the mains go into Live & Neutral Load and the two to the bulb go into Live & Neutral Feed. I have spent the last 3 hours trying various wiring combinations which either don't work or have the light on permanently. What wires go into which holes Help !!!

breezer · 10 Nov 2007

this light tell me more (because what you have is a double pole isolating switch)

Colin0863 · 10 Nov 2007

The light switch that I removed was a standard on/off switch serving a single bulb in the cellar, hence why I did not expect any complications in replacing it with a dimmer switch - Any clues ?

ColJack · 10 Nov 2007

generally not a good idea to dim cellar lights unless you have converted the cellar to livable space..

connect the 2 neitrals in a terminal block and then use the 2 lives, one in COM or ~ and the other in L1...

breezer · 10 Nov 2007

Colin0863 said:
The light switch that I removed was a standard on/off switch serving a single bulb in the cellar, hence why I did not expect any complications in replacing it with a dimmer switch - Any clues ?

If it was "a standard on/off switch" then why is it so complicated?

its NOT a standard on off switch

I would also guess you have blown up the dimmer since you said you have tried for 3 hours in various combinations

1 red in C the other in L1

both blacks in a single choc bloc

but why dim a light in the cellar?

Colin0863 · 10 Nov 2007

I am converting it into liveable space hence the upgrade, just about to try the wiring you suggested - Thanks

Colin0863 · 10 Nov 2007

Tried the suggested one live in L1 & one in Com, and two negatives in a block and that does not work, as I did blow the fuse on one occasion I am now wondering if the sugestion that the dimmer switch has blown is the issue, sounds like a trip to B & Q in the morning. Thanks guys, and watch this space tomorrow !!

breezer · 10 Nov 2007

yep, i did say it probably would

Colin0863 · 11 Nov 2007

Thanks to you two guys for your help. We are up and running with a new switch

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Wiring up a dimmer switch

Colin0863

breezer

Colin0863

ColJack

breezer

Colin0863

Colin0863

breezer

Colin0863

DIYnot Local

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