The cables at the junction box only have the red and black wires, no earth. The original metal switches were fitted by the same electrician. He changed all the house switches to metal and he also fitted the new consumer unit a couple of years back. We cannot rewire the switch without a lot of damage to walls etc.
2 way switched light not working
- Thread starter AMJ66
- Start date
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A new cu has been fitted. Bet its dual rcd.
Do you have 2 lighting circuits ?
Wonder if a borrowed neutral has resulted in the earth being used. Unlikey I think.
Anyway what an appalling electrican fitting metal switches
Do you have 2 lighting circuits ?
Wonder if a borrowed neutral has resulted in the earth being used. Unlikey I think.
Anyway what an appalling electrican fitting metal switches
How?
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The double switch downstairs is earthed to the back of the switch plate using the earth wire from the switch which controls the hall light.
The upstairs switch has an earth wire connected to the switch box, not sure where the earth wire comes from.
The upstairs switch has an earth wire connected to the switch box, not sure where the earth wire comes from.
The earth needs to be connected to the terminal on the switch plate:
However even if it was, given the junction box with no earth connections at all, it is highly unlikely the earth wire is actually connected to anything at the other end.
However even if it was, given the junction box with no earth connections at all, it is highly unlikely the earth wire is actually connected to anything at the other end.
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Are we sure the two blue tape-wrapped conductors are connected to each other?
I think we probably are ....
As I've said, on the basis of what we've been told, what concerns me more is what is under that blue tape - it seems hard to see what it could be other than the (perhaps brown-sleeved at the ends) bare CPC of (old-colours) T+E.
Kind Regards, John
What do I need to do to try this?
Answer these 2 questions first
Have you removed the switches and checked they actually work in both switching positions?
You may have a faulty switch?
Regards.
DS
Remove them taking note of the connections, use your multi meter between L1 +C and switch the switch you will get continuity with the switch in one position. Do the same test with L2+C the switch should be in the opposite position and again you will get continuity.
Regards,
DS
Regards,
DS
If as you say the light was not switching off it could be a faulty switch or there is a short on the strapped cable which would make one switch US, and give you the false continuity readings when you use your multimeter.
As we do not actually know if you have an earth connection it is perfectly possible that there is a nail through a strapper cable and due to the absence of an earth the circuit has not tripped.
Be very careful as you're earthing may be suspect.
DS
As we do not actually know if you have an earth connection it is perfectly possible that there is a nail through a strapper cable and due to the absence of an earth the circuit has not tripped.
Be very careful as you're earthing may be suspect.
DS
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