Which is live wire?

While at college back in the days when Wham first hit the charts (young uns look this up!), I learnt that the "COMMON" terminal was so-named because it was common to the the others: ie the other terminals link to it. Think about it: in one position, the common links up with L1 and in the other to L2.

Never disputed the fact how the switch works. :?
And what did they teach you "L" stands for then, was and still is in the regs book :?:
And on a switch marked L1,L2,L3 what would the L stand for :?:
 
And on a switch marked L1,L2,L3 what would the L stand for :?:

Live, line........ The same as for the L1 & L2 on switch marked with C/L1/L2.

Com/L1/L2 is clearer than L1/L2/L3 though.

So after about 50 years they have started to phase out "common" wonder why that is.

That the standard method used to install a one way light switch is to connect the permanent live to the com terminal and it is also good practice.
If we take a look at BS7671:2008
134.1.1
This bit becomes relevant:

"Electrical equipment shall be installed in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the equipment."

I have yet to see the instruction leaflets that come with switch accessories that suggest you do anything other than connect the permanent live to the com terminal, in a one way switch.
Are you disputing that?

Im still waiting to see these leaflets, oh wait isnt MK one of the biggest manufacturers in the uk

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Technical/DataSheets/MK/PlateSwitches.pdf
 
Oh, wait. Didn't PBoD post a link on page 2 which had L & SwL the right way round.

No,
But im waiting to see the live feed in common and the switchline in either L1 or L2 on a one way switch
A bold statement he made

you seem adament that your all right so lets see , ive shown my Mk diagram
 
Wow two MK diagrams and both different.

Suggest you arrange a boxing match to solve this one :D

But I think MK made an error on Rockys piccy.
 
Wow two MK diagrams and both different.

Suggest you arrange a boxing match to solve this one :D

But I think MK made an error on Rockys piccy.

No they havent, that drawings correct as well but nothing to do with pbod claim that L1 is where the switchline goes on a one way switch

 
I can't really resist repeating the first contribution I made to this thread, three or so pages back ....
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?

Kind Regards, John.
 
But I think MK made an error on Rockys piccy.
Indeed they did - so, in the minds of those who believe that BS7671 intends that manufacturer's instructions must be obeyed, regardless of what they say, does this mean that, if we are wiring loighting circuits with MK switches, we must wire lamps directly to L and N and leave the SL connected to nothing? :-)

Kind Regards, John.
 
One out of a box today, I don't recall making any claims, other than the correct procedure is to follow MIs! and it's MK :shock:
Indeed - and you're lucky that the the leaflet in your box wasn't the one that indicated that you had to wire the lamp so that it was permanently on!!

Kind Regards, John.
 

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