Dimmer switch problem

[BillyJ]

Hi all,

I'm trying to install a 3 gang 2 way dimmer, but don't have the instructions.
Do I attach the live wire (red) in the main power cable to the first Com terminal, and then link to the other two Coms?
Then, do I take the live wire in the cable that goes to all the lights, and attach this to either L1 or L2 in the third gang?
I'm still left with other wires - blue, yellow, and earth in both cables. Can these just be hooked into a terminal block?
Many thanks.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Good grief,

Do we assume that you are replacing an existing switch with a dimmer?

Before you disconnect any of the wires from the existing switch, make a careful note of what wires go to what terminals.

There are lots of different ways of doing light switching. especially if you have two-way switching (like upstairs and downstairs).

 

[BillyJ]

Taylortwocities....

Hi,

I'm trying to replace a row of three separate switches (controlling three sets of kitchen downlights) with one 3 gang dimmer. All the wiring is in place - just can't figure out what should go where.

 

[londonboy]

Are the downlights suitable for use with a dimmer?

 

[BillyJ]

Yes - the electrical shop (not a DIY store) assured me the dimmer was suitable.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I'm trying to replace a row of three separate switches (controlling three sets of kitchen downlights) with one 3 gang dimmer. All the wiring is in place - just can't figure out what should go where.

Whether they are separate accessories or a single 3-gang one makes no difference.

You have 6 terminals in use with the current switches - what's wrong with the idea of transferring whatever is in them to the equivalent 6 terminals in the dimmer?

 

[BillyJ]

I'm trying to replace a row of three separate switches (controlling three sets of kitchen downlights) with one 3 gang dimmer. All the wiring is in place - just can't figure out what should go where.

Whether they are separate accessories or a single 3-gang one makes no difference.

You have 6 terminals in use with the current switches - what's wrong with the idea of transferring whatever is in them to the equivalent 6 terminals in the dimmer?

banallsheds.....

Because I'm a prat. I didn't note down the wiring before I took them out of the existing switches. It looked simple. Famous last words, aye! The dimmer I'm trying to install is a single 3-gang.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

So you've got 2 x 3-core & earth cables?

Have you got a multimeter?

 

[BillyJ]

So you've got 2 x 3-core & earth cables?

Have you got a multimeter?

Yes, 2 x 3 plus earth.
One cable has the earth fully sleeved and was, I guess, used in the original wiring. The earth in the other cable is cut right back into the cable. (Too much information??).
I don't have a multi-meter.
I'm clear which cable extends to the junction box, and which goes up into the lights (if that helps).
The wires are coloured red, blue, yellow, plus earth
Thanks.