1 wall light, 2 switches...

[HaveNoClueUK]

Finally got around to replacing an upstairs switch, decided to wire it same as the original switch, but when I checked the downstairs switch, the wires were reversed.

Here are pics, please tell me the correct configuration, thanks!

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.137979379653403.27143.100003240257834&type=1&l=2f27f7ddc7

I also noticed the switches themselves are different. Do I need a particular kind of switch for this area. The light is ran by both switches obviously.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Finally got around to replacing an upstairs switch, decided to wire it same as the original switch, but when I checked the downstairs switch, the wires were reversed.

It doesn't matter except that one of the switches will be 'upside down'.
You can put them both the same way if you want.

HOWEVER don't alter or mix up the wires at the single terminal end (red in one switch, black in the other).

I also noticed the switches themselves are different. Do I need a particular kind of switch for this area. The light is ran by both switches obviously.

They are 'one-gang, two-way switches'.

 

[HaveNoClueUK]

I haven't installed the light as of yet, that will be done tomorrow as the light is wearing thin. Since the switch at the top of the stairs has no place for me to place the black wire, I have not completed the job yet.

 

[HaveNoClueUK]

Finally got around to replacing an upstairs switch, decided to wire it same as the original switch, but when I checked the downstairs switch, the wires were reversed.

It doesn't matter except that one of the switches will be 'upside down'.
You can put them both the same way if you want.

HOWEVER don't alter or mix up the wires at the single terminal end (red in one switch, black in the other).

I also noticed the switches themselves are different. Do I need a particular kind of switch for this area. The light is ran by both switches obviously.

They are 'one-gang, two-way switches'.

This has completely confused me. They're not upside down, I don't think, as I placed them ( in the photos ) in the same position. The upstairs switch has no place for me to put the black wire and screw it in, while the downstairs switch is all done, wires screwed in tight and happy.


I do not know who did the work prior to our acquisition of the house. This is an ongoing "fixer upper" as we are repairing a lot of poorly done cowboy work from a previous owners attempt at remodeling. You should see the state of my kitchen. Bleeding nightmare!

 

[EFLImpudence]

Oh I'm sorry, I missed that.

You will need another 'one-gang, two-way' switch, then.

It won't properly work as it is.

It is wired like the first diagram -

 

[HaveNoClueUK]

Oh I'm sorry, I missed that.

You will need another 'one-gang, two-way' switch, then.

It won't properly work as it is.

It is wired like the first diagram -

*insert blank stare*....I'm an American Woman....All I see is Johnny 5 when I look at the diagram. LOL sorry, I thought my forum name gave it away that I seriously have no clue.


I'll pick up another switch tomorrow morning...

Now...which wire goes in the top single hole? red or black?

On the two bottom holes, which color goes in on the right and which on the left?


Check the pics, the upstairs swtich has 2 black wires and 1 red while the downstairs has 2 red and 1 black.



Thanks again!

 

[EFLImpudence]

You MUST put the top black wire in the top terminal (where it is now).

It doesn't really matter about the bottom two but

connect the same way as the other switch.

I.e. black nearest looking at the picture and red in the other terminal.

 

[HaveNoClueUK]

Thank you very much

 

[HaveNoClueUK]

Wired both switches, the same.

Now onto the light. There is only one red, black, and ground coming out of the wall. The silly little diagram that came with the switch indicates that there should be 2 of everything.



Am I safe to connect the wires from the wall to the new light fixture?

Thanks again

 

[HaveNoClueUK]

please anyone?

 

[EFLImpudence]

Wired both switches, the same.

Right.

Now onto the light. There is only one red, black, and ground coming out of the wall. The silly little diagram that came with the switch indicates that there should be 2 of everything.

There are several ways to wire lights.
Ignore the diagram and just wire the light - Live, Neutral and Earth (Ground in the colonies ).

Am I safe to connect the wires from the wall to the new light fixture?

Yes.

 

[HaveNoClueUK]

brilliant! ty

 

[HaveNoClueUK]

Light is installed and working thanks to you! Many thanks for your help!

 

[EFLImpudence]

Very good.

 

[HaveNoClueUK]

I just posted another thread about another light...

My lighting nightmares do not end in this house.

After I sort this next light out, I am hoping the bathroom light will magically begin to work..... once ALL of the lights in the house work...I have one last one, which has been nagging me since day one. My bedroom light will NOT work at all!