All the wires behind light switch are red!

[jammur27]

I am wanting to change a single light switch for a newer one, but all the wires are red, and I'm not sure how to go on.

At present there are two wires going into one terminal and a single wire going into another.

Do the two wires go into the Common and the single into the L1; or is it the other way round?

Here is a picture of the present configuration (sorry about the quality - I took this on my mobile):

Any help would be most appreciated.

Many thanks[/img]

 

[Lectrician]

Either way is fine, but make sure the two that are together now stay together in the same terminal - or you will end up with this switch switching other lights aswell!

I assume you are changing the switch for a newer one? If it is brass/chrome etc, it will require an earth. You need to connect a piece of earth cable from the metal back box to the front plate of the new switch.

 

[JohnD]

...and if there aren't earth wires in the cables that come down into the box, you can't earth it, so you mustn't use a metal switch.

BTW, lighting circuits usually have a number of wires of the same colour for different purposes (especially in ceiling roses) so always mark every wire to identify it, and draw a diagram, so you can put then all back in exactly the same position.

You will get a lot of ignominy if you don't.

 

[jammur27]

Thanks for your replies guys.

New light switches are now installed and working!

Thanks,
James