Light switch, just two red wires

[donijil]

Attempting to replace an old light switch I was surprised to find it's wired up with just two red wires. For what it's worth I've labelled the wires as they were positioned in the old switch (L1 and L2).

I've no idea how to proceed with this. The switch I'd intended to put in has a L1 and a COM.

I have sealed the ends with choc blocks and sealed over the hole so no-one can come into contact with it. In the meantime I've no lighting in the kitchen. I can't put the old switch back on because it's shot at.

Would really appreciate help with how to resolve this.

 

[BS3036]

All a switch does is to join two wires together. If there are two contacts labeled L1 and COM then just connect one wire to L1 and the other to COM.

 

[CBW]

Com being short for Common aka the live https://www.downlights.co.uk/faq-wire-light-switch.html

 

[bernardgreen]

There are two ways the terminals can be labelled

 

[donijil]

All a switch does is to join two wires together. If there are two contacts labeled L1 and COM then just connect one wire to L1 and the other to COM.

Com being short for Common aka the live https://www.downlights.co.uk/faq-wire-light-switch.html

There are two ways the terminals can be labelled


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Thank you all very much. Job done. I'm grateful you gave me the confidence to tackle this.

 

[333rocky333]

Is the switch Metal

 

[donijil]

Is the switch Metal

Hi, no, it's plastic.

If metal it could become live I presume?

 

[DIYWell]

If the switch had been metal,

Is the switch Metal

Hi, no, it's plastic.

If metal it could become live I presume?

Sort of. The risk is that a metal faced switch develops a fault e.g the screw just nicks the live wire, and makes the face live too. First thing you know about it is the RCD tripping. If it had been a metal switch, it would have needed an earth wire connected to it to keep you safe.

You've done the job, you've got working lights, well done. Just something to bear in mind if you swap out another switch in the future.