2 way switch backwards

[Samcdavies]

I have a 2 way switch in my hall - one switch controlling the hall lights and another the landing light. The hall is fine so forget that.

However the landing light is wired ‘backwards’ I think. If the upstairs switch is ‘on’ and the downstairs switch is ‘on’ the light is off. I think the downstairs switch is wired ‘backwards’ - can I just swap the wires? If so, which ones? Picture attached. It’s the wiring on the left. Not the right.

 

[EFLImpudence]

If the upstairs switch is ‘on’ and the downstairs switch is ‘on’ the light is off.

That's how it works.

Turn both switches off.

 

[SUNRAY]

If the upstairs switch is ‘on’ and the downstairs switch is ‘on’ the light is off.

I assume when you are saying 'on' you really mean up. Does it matter?

I think the downstairs switch is wired ‘backwards’ - can I just swap the wires?

If you REALLY THINK there is a problem - Yes

If so, which ones? Picture attached. It’s the wiring on the left. Not the right.

I'd imagine the black and grey will do it - but it won't make any actual functional difference.

Why are you so concerned about the position of 2 switches which you probably can't see or reach at the same time?

 

[Samcdavies]

If both switches are ‘off’ then the light is off.

If one is off and one is on then the light is on.

I’d prefer it if both on equals on.

 

[Samcdavies]

I assume when you are saying 'on' you really mean up. Does it matter?

If you REALLY THINK there is a problem - Yes

I'd imagine the black and grey will do it - but it won't make any actual functional difference.

Why are you so concerned about the position of 2 switches which you probably can't see or reach at the same time?

I guess it’s so I can see if the light is on or off. I have smart light bulbs and it’s not always possible to tell if they should be on or not.

I’ll try to swap the grey with the black wire.

 

[SUNRAY]

If both switches are ‘off’ then the light is off.

If one is off and one is on then the light is on.

I’d prefer it if both on equals on.

I assume when you say ON you really mean UP

 

[Samcdavies]

Switching the grey and black worked . Thank you.

 

[EFLImpudence]

So - now what can you tell by the positions?

When both switches are off, the light is on.

 

[RandomGrinch]

When both switches are off, the light is on

I was just about to comment - I hope that doesn't make them unhappy.
Good thing there's no intermediate switch!
...Alternatively, as it's a smart bulb, just bypass one of the switches.

 

[Samcdavies]

So - now what can you tell by the positions?

When both switches are off, the light is on.

No - both off equals light off. Both on equals light on.

 

[SUNRAY]

No - both off equals light off. Both on equals light on.

What are you talking about?

We still havn't established what you mean by 'off position'

 

[EFLImpudence]

No - both off equals light off. Both on equals light on.

Not possible.

 

[Samcdavies]

The suggestion of swapping the grey and black wires solved my problem. Both switches being in the on position equals the lights being on. This is what I wanted.

Thank you to everybody who replied.

Picture of what I mean by ‘on’.

 

[SUNRAY]

The suggestion of swapping the grey and black wires solved my problem. Both switches being in the on position equals the lights being on. This is what I wanted.

Thank you to everybody who replied.

Picture of what I mean by ‘on’.

Please explain what you mean by ON

If your system is working properly with both switches in the position you show (down) and the light is on, then by assumption you mean with up the switches in the up position your light is off --- as EFL says --- not possible

 

[DetlefSchmitz]