two way switch problems

[paulusat800]

Hi,
I hope someone can help with the following:-
In the kitchen I have one three gang switch and on one gang it operates one light and this light is also operated by a another 2 gang switch , effectively making those switches a 2 - way switch. The problem is although each switch will operate the light okay, if I switch one switch on , the other switch will not switch off the lights. If I switch on the lights with for example no. 1 switch (it doesn`t matter which one) and then try and switch off using no.2 switch I cannot then switch off using no. 1 switch until I then return the switch on no. 2 back to its position prior to switching on no.1 .
There is continuity between the switches (checked with multi meter). I have quite a bit of experience of fault finding on 6v motorcycle electrics but not too much with house electrics.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Sounds as if a numpty who didn't know what he was doing decided that not knowing shouldn't be a reason to not do, and has simply put two switches in parallel.

Compare the wiring you have with what you should have (see the Wiki), and change it as necessary.

If you can follow motor vehicle wiring diagrams you should have no problem with 2-way light switching...

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

What cables do you have at both switching points for this light?
If you have pictures to upload that would also help.
If you do look up wiki 2 way lights, it will offer useful info.

 

[paulusat800]

What cables do you have at both switching points for this light?
If you have pictures to upload that would also help.
If you do look up wiki 2 way lights, it will offer useful info.

Hi Thanks for your interest.
I have taken pics and put them in my album.
This morning I conected the wires as shown on the DIY NOT link, with the red as common but no difference, although I suspect it would not work as all the wires concerned are red sleeved. The pics show the two gang switch with Red common, Blue (red sleeved)L1, Yellow (red sleeved) L2.
The three gang switch(the other two gangs for other lights in the kitchen are fine) with Red L1, Blue (red sleeved) Common, Yellow (red sleeved) L2.

 

[holmslaw]

..