two red wires

davehat · Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2006 5:27 pm Post Subject: two red wires

Hi, I want to replace a one way switch with a dimmer. i removed the switch from the wall to find 2 red wires. one entering the L1, the other to the L3 terminals. the earth to the plate as it is a metal switch.
Any ideas why there are 2 red wires and where should i wire them to in the dimmer switch?
The dimmer switch is metal and has L1, L2 and ~ (with arrow thru it)
Thanks

TheGaffersSon · Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2006 5:32 pm Post Subject:

You have two red's because there are no neutrals in the switch. New switches have Common, l1, l2 whereas olser switches have l1, l2, l3.

If I remember rightly then the old L1 is your common. Double check in the FAQ in the top of the forum page.

ban-all-sheds · Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2006 5:40 pm Post Subject:

One red to L1, the other to squiggle-arrow.

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davehat · Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2006 5:57 pm Post Subject:

thanks alot, I'll give it a go

securespark · Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2006 8:53 pm Post Subject:

Out of interest, and with absolutely no ridicule intended, what did you expect to find?

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The Jeep · Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2006 8:57 pm Post Subject:

One brown and one blue with brown sleeving?