Replace 2 Way Switch with 2 Way Dimmer (Lightwave)

[Steve UK]

Hi,

I currently have two light switches in my lounge. These switches control 2 lights. Either switch can be used to turn both lights on/off at the same time.

I have attached images of the wiring within each box.

I'm trying to replace these switches with a Lightwave master/slave combo.

These are the products:
Master - https://www.lightwaverf.com/lighting/11533779860
Slave - https://www.lightwaverf.com/lighting/11533805140

I've also attached an image of the Lightwave wiring (from the instuctions).

I've been trying to figure out how to wire this up for hours without any joy. If anyone could shed any light, it would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

 

[JohnD]

Do the instructions include an alternative diagram for wiring in a typical UK installation? The diagram you show will not work with most 2-way lighting.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

you seem to have provided two photos of the same switch.

Look again at the back boxes.

Then the orientation of the brown & blue conductors in the bits of choc.

Then you too can sit there thinking "WTF is going on there?"

The diagram you show will not work with most 2-way lighting.

Looks fine for the very common scenario of a switch drop to one 2-way switch, and a 3-C&E strapper to another 2-way....

 

[Steve UK]

Thanks for the replies.

Do the instructions include an alternative diagram for wiring in a typical UK installation? The diagram you show will not work with most 2-way lighting.

Unfortunately not - I'm hoping someone might know what's going on with the wiring and be able to suggest an alternative arrangement.

Thanks!

 

[Taylortwocities]

Do the instructions include an alternative diagram for wiring in a typical UK installation? The diagram you show will not work with most 2-way lighting.

Whssign

• Taylortwocities
• 16 Jul 2016

What he said

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Do the instructions include an alternative diagram for wiring in a typical UK installation? The diagram you show will not work with most 2-way lighting.

Whssign

• Taylortwocities
• 16 Jul 2016

What he said

Why do people keep saying this?

Switch drop with live and switched live to a switch, 3C+E linking that to another switch:

Switch drop with live and switched live to a switch, 3C+E linking that to another switch:

 

[Steve UK]

Thanks ban-all-sheds.

So do you think it can be done with the wiring I currently have? What do I need to connect to what in order for this to work?

One thing to note is the "signal" can only take 12v rather than 240v.

Something else I don't understand is if I connect the two brown wires in switch 1, the black wire in switch 1 and 2 both become live, but they don't seem to illuminate the screwdriver as much as the brown wires?

Thanks

 

[flameport]

illuminate the screwdriver

Throw that away, it is misleading and dangerous.

 

[EFLImpudence]

So do you think it can be done with the wiring I currently have?

I'm not sure. It would appear not.
It appears that one of the wires needed for the new switches, the grey, is being used for the Neutral.
That is - you have the supply Line(live) and Neutral at one end and the light at the other

So, you need to determine - with a proper tester - which is the supply Line(live) and which is the supply Neutral by testing when the wire is not connected to anything else.

It may be that someone has done something unusual or unnecessary and it could be altered.
Can we have a picture of the wiring at the light - the one with more than one cable to it (assuming something else strange has not been done)?

 

[Steve UK]

Can we have a picture of the wiring at the light - the one with more than one cable to it (assuming something else strange has not been done)?

Sure, here you go. It appears to just be 2 lengths of twin & earth. Can anything be done?

Thanks

 

[ban-all-sheds]

It's looking like Plan A/Plan B time...

You basically have to choose between Plan A and Plan B.

PLAN A:

• Learn how lighting circuits are wired.
  • //www.diynot.com/wiki/Electrics:Lighting
  • http://wiki.diyfaq.org.uk/index.php/House_Wiring_for_Beginners#Lighting
    
  • http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=uk+lighting+wiring+(basics+OR+101)
  • //www.diynot.com/wiki/Electrics:books
  • //www.diynot.com/wiki/Electrics:index
• Get a multimeter and learn how to use it.
• Identify which conductors are which at the switches and the light positions.
• Work out what should go where and connect everything up properly.

PLAN B:

• Get an electrician.

There are some irresponsible people here who will tell you that there is a Plan C, which is to start trying different things without really knowing what's going on, hoping to get it working by luck, or by blindly following instructions to put-this-wire-in-that-hole without any idea as to why. Please don't listen to them - you must know what, and truly understand what, you are doing.

Electrical-installation-by-guesswork is a foolish idea.

There is no Plan C for anybody sensible

 

[EFLImpudence]

Can anything be done?

It doesn't look like it.

Not without having another wire, either -
between the switches, or
between the switch where the supply is and the pictured light.

 

[Steve UK]

Looks like I'll be returning the switches as I don't want this to become a massive job.

I've learnt a bit along the way so it hasn't been a completely futile exercise!

Thanks everyone for the advice.