Lightswitch with just 2 red wires?

Joined
10 Apr 2021
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
Country
United Kingdom
I'm looking to swap my single lightswitch over to a dimmer, but after opening it up I see there's just 2 red wires. There is an earth which is connected to a screw in the back box but that's it.

One of the red wires is connected to a terminal labelled "Top" and the other is connected to an unlabelled terminal.

I was expecting to see a neutral wire as the other switches I've changed all have neutrals. The new dimmer has 3 terminals (L1, L2 and Com).

Just wondering which way to wire this up?
 
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
I shall use my new graphic.

upload_2021-4-10_18-58-20.png
 
Aah ok I had assumed the black wires in the other switches were neutral
When you think about that statement, if it were true, the switch would be connecting the live wire directly to the neutral wire every time you closed it.

What would happen then?
 
When you think about that statement, if it were true, the switch would be connecting the live wire directly to the neutral wire every time you closed it.

What would happen then?

Ah.. actually that's a good point... :oops:

I've always just changed switches on autopilot and never really paused to think much about it. I feel a bit silly now!!!
 

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

 
Sponsored Links
Back
Top