Dimmer Switch

CMR · Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2006 2:47 pm Post Subject: Dimmer Switch

Sorry in advance if a similar question has been posted and previously answered - I've yet to find it!

I want to replace a 3 gang, 1 way switch with a single dimmer switch (2 of the 3 lights being removed). I'm a bit confused though - there seems to be 2 wires to the com and one L1. Perhaps this is simple, but why would there be 2 com's?????

It seems to be that both coms need to be connected for the light to work

RF Lighting · Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2006 7:02 pm Post Subject:

Can you post a photo of the current setup?

Also take a look here:

http://wiki.diynot.com/electrics:lighting:adddimmer

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downlights

securespark · Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2006 8:39 pm Post Subject:

There could be a feed in and a feed out of that com. Where do they go to?

Does one go to another com terminal?

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CMR · Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 10:00 am Post Subject:

I'll try and get a picture up.
I worked out that if I don't wire one of the com wires most of the lights upstairs don't work. So I think the switch itself is being used as a junction box - is this common practice?

Steve · Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 8:20 pm Post Subject:

Yes. there are several ways to wire lights up. Yours is nothing unusual. Using switches as "junction boxes" or the "loop in" is becoming more common, as it is favourable to concealed junction boxes which are not allowed any more, and with the growing trend for downlights and non-ceiling rose lighting, using the light fitting itself as the loop-in is also going out of fashion.

CMR · Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2006 10:08 am Post Subject:

Brilliant. Thanks for your help everyone!
Have a great Christmas.