I, PBoD and Paul_C are talking about switches marked with C,L1 & L2 (Not L1.L2 & L3) in which your method would not work.
Which is live wire?
- Thread starter Frankie14
- Start date
So am i, i realise that, im talking about where the "common" terminal derives from.
It Afaik derived In relation to Two way switching
Nowadays the word common is being phased out.
As it is misleading
- Joined
- 27 Jan 2008
- Messages
- 27,497
- Reaction score
- 3,324
- Location
- Llanfair Caereinion, Nr Welshpool
- Country
Although the standard method is to use the ceiling rose as a junction box there is nothing to say it must be done that way. In fact with extra low voltage transformers it is easier to run the neutral through the switch and it is also likely to be better when considering EMC problems.I put a dimmer switch into the bedroom a few weeks ago- queerest set up I've ever seen when I unscrewed the existing one. It's a one way system, I was expecting to find a brown and blue wire going into the L1/Com, but instead found two brown wires doing this, and two blue wires connected together and taped but not connected to anything. Bit perplexed I noted exactly which went to L1 and which to Com and put the dimmer in.
Works fine but what's all that about????
This should have been asked on a separate thread.
As to L1 or Com as feed I found it was easier to tell the apprentice to put the feed to L1 as it was then the same for both single and two way switching. Since Line and Neutral are both Live it really does not matter which way around they go. With larger switches and isolators it may matter because of the earthing down of the dead side or the isolating of the fuse but not with a light switch.
Ok fair enough
I can see now how you derived with this, is there any manufacturers wiring diagrams to support this then
RELATING TO A DIMMER
But L1/L1 and L2/L2 are also linked...
¿Que?
To some, maybe, to some....
as with most accessories there comes a leaflet, showing various diagrams, with sometimes written but mostly visual instruction how this should be done. These are known as the manufactures instructions and we have a legal obligation to follow them.Ok fair enough
I can see now how you derived with this, is there any manufacturers wiring diagrams to support this then
I don't have one to had or I would scan and send it, but I guess you are aware of these. Normally end up unread on the floor or in bin.
This is the best I can find at this moment Look at TD133 http://help.tradingdepot.co.uk/electrical/mk/albany-plus-tech.pdf
What's going on?
http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/171/switches7sm.jpg[/QUOTE]
I know how a switch works thanks
What does that prove
Show me manufacturers instructions to support this, in fact name a one way switch manufacturer that even supplies them
You're thinking of when it's paired with sense.
Sorry - are you the same ABCwarrior who thought he was perfectly able to design and install new circuits, CUs, pull service fuses etc?I put a dimmer switch into the bedroom a few weeks ago- queerest set up I've ever seen when I unscrewed the existing one. It's a one way system, I was expecting to find a brown and blue wire going into the L1/Com, but instead found two brown wires doing this, and two blue wires connected together and taped but not connected to anything. Bit perplexed I noted exactly which went to L1 and which to Com and put the dimmer in.
Works fine but what's all that about????
I dont think so
C or common was used as the common link from switch to switch in 2 way 3 wire circuits as confirmed by that mk wiring diagram,
L1 L2 for bans benefit often went via intermediate switches, therefore not a common link.
Sometimes two wire was used and common was sometimes live one end and switchlive other end as we all know.
This C and L1 became recognised and adopted also for one way switching.
As we all know two way switch wiring varies as does the use of the C terminal , but the op is talking about ONE WAY switching so to me, L1 is live and common is the output
Why are you assuming the OP is fitting a two way switch anyway?
C is not afaik a recognised electrical symbol, hence the introduction of L1, L2, L3,
I'm very intrigued by this discussion! Is anyone seriously thinking/suggesting that it makes a blind bit of difference which 'way around' an ordinary '1-way' switch (SPST) is wired? Let's face it, I imagine the only reason why such switches have any terminal markings (com/C, L1 or L1,L2) at all is that, to save cost, they use the same mouldings as they do for '2-way' (SPDT) switches.
Kind Regards, John.
Well considering the OPS dimmer blew last night then who says it is a standard switch.
Or when he puts the switchline as i think wrongly into L1, as there telling him, then in the future replaces the dimmer using that L1 from the switch back into the new dimmer L1 it will be reversed.
Some dimmers are temperamental and must have the L1 used as live.
So when someone states to follow manufacturers instructions and posts something in another post that contravenes them and blows the dimmer then maybe it becomes a problem
RELATING TO A DIMMER
Are we looking at the same thread? I see the OP saying nothing about a dimmer, nor about any dimmer blowing up. Apart from a few 'thrown in' comments about dimmers, the discussion which intriged me appeared to be all about the wiring/labelling of a standard SPST switch - but if I've missed something, please accept my apologies.
I agree that dimmers are a different kettle of fish and that one needs to consult to MI unless the labelling is very unambiguous (and that doesn't include C/Com/L1/L2/L3!).
Kind Regards, John.
DIYnot Local
Staff member
If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.
Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.
Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local
