2 Gang 1 Way Light switch arcing and burning

[Rake722]

Hi all, we recently acquired a new house and have been stripping wallpaper yesterday when trying to switch off the wall lights The switch began arching and burning which was visible from the back of the light switch which was disconnected from the wall.

There are two switches one controls the main ceiling light and the other controls the wall lights so I’m making the assumption this is 2 gang 1 way?

After having checked that the connection was tight and secure I am making the assumption that the switch is faulty. I need to replace it.

My question is what are my options for replacements? Can I use a two-way switch?

The original switch has two red live wires connecting to Common, and 2 black with red sheath one connecting to B1 and the other connecting to what looks like M ?

I will try to upload a picture. Would it be possible to use a double dimmer on this? If so, what would I need? Otherwise a regular switch would be sufficient.

Thanks

 

[Murdochcat]

That switch needs replacing - whether you can have dimmers rather depends on the back box depth

 

[Rake722]

That switch needs replacing - whether you can have dimmers rather depends on the back box depth

Yes thanks for the confirmation. 2 Gang 2 way ? Red to com but how to wire the black with red sleeve please ?

 

[Jurassicspark]

Either 2 gang 1 way or 2 way up to you. If you're going to use a metal switch, you will need to have an earth wire at the switch.

Whichever switch you buy, send a photo of the back and we'll tell you how to wire it up.

 

[Rake722]

Either 2 gang 1 way or 2 way up to you. If you're going to use a metal switch, you will need to have an earth wire at the switch.

Whichever switch you buy, send a photo of the back and we'll tell you how to wire it up.

Okay, I’ll go and get another switch this morning. There is earth Going To The box in the wall but I noticed there was no earth going from the metal box to the switch itself and assumed that it would be earthed through the metal screws. It did strike me as odd that there was no earth going to the switch though.

 

[Jurassicspark]

The box in the wall but I noticed there was no earth going from the metal box to the switch itself and assumed that it would be earthed through the metal screws. It did strike me as odd that there was no earth going to the switch though.

It's fine. Some do worry about it but you don't have to do it.

 

[Jurassicspark]

- whether you can have dimmers rather depends on the back box depth

And which types of lights being used.

 

[EFLImpudence]

It's fine. Some do worry about it but you don't have to do it.

You have that the wrong way round.

It is the switch which must be connected and the back box need not be.

 

[Taylortwocities]

And which types of lights being used.

Indeed. If you are having LED lights, then these will need to be dimmable and you will need a decent LED dimmer.
Personally I have had most success with the Varilight PRO dimmers. Available at screwfix and many other sellers.

Some do worry about it but you don't have to do it.

Yes you do have do it!

 

[JohnD]

OOI, were you stripping with water or steam?

 

[JohnD]

It's fine. Some do worry about it but you don't have to do it.

In damp conditions, there can be enough rust and corrosion that the screw threads do not make an adequate connection to the steel lug. A pigtail is better, and still works even if you unscrew the faceplate while decorating.

 

[pete01]

It's fine. Some do worry about it but you don't have to do it.

Think you do

 

[Taylortwocities]

In damp conditions, there can be enough rust and corrosion that the screw threads do not make an adequate connection to the steel lug.

Probably not available on your South Seas Island, but - in the UK - you can get plastic plate securing screws. You cannot rely on the screws to adequately earth the front plate.

 

[pete01]

Either 2 gang 1 way or 2 way up to you. If you're going to use a metal switch, you will need to have an earth wire at the switch.

Whichever switch you buy, send a photo of the back and we'll tell you how to wire it up.

Can you get a 2 gang 1 way?

 

[JohnD]

Can you get a 2 gang 1 way?

No need. A 2 way will do everything a 1 way can, and more.