2 Red wires

[Sheila39]

Hi, I'm trying to fit a dimmer switch and my electrics are old, when I took the switch off it had one white wire at the top and 2 red wires at the bottom in the same hole?? the other hole was empty, can anyone please give me some advise as to how to fit the dimmer??

Thanks

 

[sparkyspike]

Are there any markings on the old switch? Such as L1, L2, L3, C or COM? Also, does your dimmer have a plastic faceplate, or is it metal?

 

[Sheila39]

On the left hand side where the 2 red wires are is com,

 

[sparkyspike]

Ok. There should be a 'C' or 'COM' terminal on the back of the dimmer. This is where the red wires go. The white wire will then go into 'L1'.
Any earth cable present? If not, make sure your dimmer has a plastic front.

 

[Sheila39]

Thanks for that, one the new one is L1 and L2 plus a wavy line? and should the 2 red wires go in the same hole?

Sheila

 

[Sheila39]

and forgot to add that its not earthed.

 

[sparkyspike]

If they were in the same hole before and everything was working as it should, then yes, put them both in the ~ terminal, with the white cable in L1.

It's possible that the lighting is earthed using metal conduit, but not possible to tell if that is the case without an electrician having a look. Unearthed lighting cables are potentially dangerous, so make sure there are no metal faceplates being used.

 

[Sheila39]

Thanks again, I will try it and let you know, I have bought a metal switch but will change it to a plastic just in case.

Sheila

 

[sparkyspike]

See if you can get a make which comes with small plastic covers for the plate screws, such as this one.