Replacing like for like 2 gang switch

[Dave6198]

Afternoon all

I've replaced most of my sockets and switches with metal BG electrical items.

Today I was fitting a 2 gang switch that's connected to an extractor and light for the en suite.

I have replaced like for like however now the light doesn't work but the fan does.

Weirdly only two wires were still connected in the switch when I first removed it (I always take a photo before removing wires) all red, 1 connected to Com1, 1 connected to L1 (fan switch) and the 2 common ports were linked with another piece of red sleeved cable.

There was 1 red sleeved cable loose in the box when I removed the switch. Not thinking too much about it I put this in an end terminal for safety and continued.

I'm beginning to wonder perhaps this was connected to something and got pulled out when removing the old switch.

Can anyone help me?

Many thanks

 

[SUNRAY]

Afternoon all

I've replaced most of my sockets and switches with metal BG electrical items.

Today I was fitting a 2 gang switch that's connected to an extractor and light for the en suite.

I have replaced like for like however now the light doesn't work but the fan does.

Weirdly only two wires were still connected in the switch when I first removed it (I always take a photo before removing wires) all red, 1 connected to Com1, 1 connected to L1 (fan switch) and the 2 common ports were linked with another piece of red sleeved cable.

There was 1 red sleeved cable loose in the box when I removed the switch. Not thinking too much about it I put this in an end terminal for safety and continued.

I'm beginning to wonder perhaps this was connected to something and got pulled out when removing the old switch.

Can anyone help me?

Many thanksView attachment 282880

Yep it goes into '1 way' and don't forget to fit an earth wire to every one of your new metal switch plates.

 

[JohnD]

Looking at the terminal screws in your photo, it might possibly have been in the bottom right. See if (without turning the screws) it is a sliding fit, or in bottom left.

Put the old switch back and see if it works

As well as the photo I think it is useful to clean the wires and mark them before disconnecting. A Stabilo Write for All fine is ideal.

 

[Dave6198]

Yep it goes into '1 way' and don't forget to fit an earth wire to every one of your new metal switch plates.

Are you meaning the loose wire? That's great.

Now I have heard that before regarding the metal plates. The backbox is earthed, and the plates are plastic backed, however, I'm guessing that is not enough?

Thanks for your help

 

[Dave6198]

Looking at the terminal screws in your photo, it might possibly have been in the bottom right. See if (without turning the screws) it is a sliding fit, or in bottom left.

Put the old switch back and see if it works

As well as the photo I think it is useful to clean the wires and mark them before disconnecting. A Stabilo Write for All fine is ideal.

The screws actually fell out by themselves (without me touching them) so they must have either been really loose or had lost their thread?

Thanks for your replies

 

[SUNRAY]

Are you meaning the loose wire? That's great.

Now I have heard that before regarding the metal plates. The backbox is earthed, and the plates are plastic backed, however, I'm guessing that is not enough?

Thanks for your help

Yes the spare wire into 1 way.

Is there an earth terminal? if so it needs to be used.

I have come across some which are double insulated and don't have such a terminal but I think it was coloured plastic within a clear outer couating.

 

[SUNRAY]

The screws actually fell out by themselves (without me touching them) so they must have either been really loose or had lost their thread?

Thanks for your replies

I'd seen the missing screw too.