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I am attempting to replace a 2-way switch system that uses only flat twin and earth but there are 3 cables involved meaning that at each switch there are 3 red and three blacks! The switches are quite old and the only terminal marking I can see is for the 'common' terminal . The two switches are double ganged (two switches on each switch unit). The back of the switch is marked 'top' and that's it! There is hall light and a landing light so obviously the idea is to turn the unwanted one off. Unfortunately the switch downstairs had the wires disconnected....... The switches are constructed as follows:
3 terminals (one of which is 'common') at the top the same again at the bottom.
The left hand switch connects the top common terminal to the terminal either side, depending on switch position and ditto the right hand switch to the bottom terminals.
On the switch that IS connected, the red and black from one wire goes to the common terminals (one in the top group of terminals connected to the left hand switch, and one in the bottom group connected to the right hand switch).
So, the red and black from another wire goes to the 2 bottom terminals and ditto the top.
I assume one of these cables is the live cable that supplies power to the circuit and the others are the switching cables.
Anyone understand my predicament and offer advice?
3 terminals (one of which is 'common') at the top the same again at the bottom.
The left hand switch connects the top common terminal to the terminal either side, depending on switch position and ditto the right hand switch to the bottom terminals.
On the switch that IS connected, the red and black from one wire goes to the common terminals (one in the top group of terminals connected to the left hand switch, and one in the bottom group connected to the right hand switch).
So, the red and black from another wire goes to the 2 bottom terminals and ditto the top.
I assume one of these cables is the live cable that supplies power to the circuit and the others are the switching cables.
Anyone understand my predicament and offer advice?