2 way switching...help

[jc546]

Hi, I've looked the exisitng postings and cant find an answer. I have removed a switch on my landing which is two way as it was a security one and not compatible with a new light fitting.

My difficulty is the only wires used are 2 red, 1 black and the earth wire and the diagrams in the switch packet do not cover off this configuration. Previously there was 1 red in one hole and a red and black together in the other. There is a blue folder up in the back of the box that seems to never have been used and the switch was working perfectly well without this.

I can get the switch to work in isolation with the black in com and a red in L1 and L2. I've tried several combinations and have yet to find the corrrect one.

Help please!

 

[ricicle]

Photos ?

 

[sparkwright]

what wiring is at the other switch(es) in the hall/landing?

 

[ColJack]

what do you mean "security one" and why wouldn't it be compatible with a new fitting?

 

[holmslaw]

..

 

[jc546]

I've added a photo, I have the swtich working as one way with the black and one red in the common and a red in L2.

switch

• jc546
• 20 Sep 2009
• 2

picture as requested, I currently have this working as a one way switch by having the black and...

[net][/net]

 

[333rocky333]

what wiring is at the other switch(es) in the hall/landing?

It has proberly been altered there for your previous switch,

 

[ColJack]

we need to know what was "SECURITY" about the last switch, and we need pictures of the other switch you want it to work with..

 

[flameport]

That yellow wire connected to the earth terminal on the switch is probably NOT an earth at all.
Unless you have confirmed 100% that the yellow is earth, please remove it from that terminal before it kills someone.

You have got 2 cables there, a red/black, and a red/blue/yellow which would be a standard 2 way switch arrangement.
This would make all of them live or switched live.

As already asked, we need to see the connections at the other switch.

 

[ColJack]

so we'll see you on the 31st for your answer then?

 

[jc546]

The security switch is just one that you can set times on and off for when you're away from home. Nothing grand but isnt compatible with the light fitting I have as it states tungsten only.

It appears some sarcasm has crept in, thanks for that.

As for the yellow, it was earth in the last switch and the one prior to that in total 25 years so I hope it's ok?

 

[ColJack]

well you did take 11 days to reply to the last lot of questions we asked..
it's not sarcasm, it's friendly banter...

still need pics of the other switch you want it to work with..

 

[jc546]

downstairs switch picture......eventually

Untitled

• jc546
• 26 Sep 2009
• 2

 

[sparkwright]

at the upstairs switch you need to confirm that yellow is NOT earth before you do anything.

if it isn't earth, which it shouldn't be
connect red of the 3 core and earth (ie the one containing red, yellow, blue, earth) to the common terminal.

connect the remaining red and the yellow to L1.

connect black and blue to L2.

IMPORTANT provide link from earth terminal at back box to metal faceplate of switch.

IMPORTANT turn off power before starting any electrical work.

 

[sparkwright]

do you feel confident about tracing where that yellow wire goes to? it SHOULD go to the downstairs switch. it SHOULD be that yellow wire at the lefthand switch of the new picture. it SHOULD NOT be connected to earth in any way.