Dimmer wiring Crisis or stupidnes

[emphasis303]

Hi

I recently changed my normal on off light switch 2 a dimmer, the original on off switch had to red cables running in to it, there was a thin red cable which I thought was the live electricity which went into the bottom screwhole that had written above it something like 250w, then it had another thick! red wire which went into the top screwhole.

Now the new dimmer switch had an arrow with a line going thru it and it had L1 and L2.

I put the thin red wire which in the old switch was connected to the hole that said 250wats and connected it to the L1 slot.

Then i put the thick red wire into the arrow with a line thru it.


I hope this is right and was the correct thing to do, I currently have the light on so im guessing it is but if it isnt would really appreciate being told so i can turn it off asap.

Thanks once again

 

[breezer]

sounds right

 

[emphasis303]

thanks for the reply

so is the thin red wire the live wire and the thick one the neutral?

Thanks again

 

[TicklyT]

It is unusual (and unnecessary) to have a neutral connected to a switch. The connections are Live (from supply), and Switched Live (To Lamp).

If you look closely at the thicker red wire, you may find it is really a black wire that has a red sleeve fitted over it to mark it as a live conductor.

Sometimes, for convenience of wiring, there are neutrals connected together in the switch back box, but they play no part in the switch or dimmer operation.

You haven't mentioned the earth connection anywhere. If your new dimmer has a metal front plate, then it must be connected to the earth wire

 

[emphasis303]

hi

thanks for the info, it is a plastic dimmer with a plastic plate, but i didnt bother fitting the plastic plate as there is an earth wire already connected to the original metal plate behind which is in the wall, i guessing this is ok?

Thanks

 

[CallEdsFirst]

i didnt bother fitting the plastic plate

Just being facetious but I'm imagining a dimmer module hanging in mid air and a plate with a hole in it in the bin!

 

[emphasis303]

haha loool! noo ive screwed the dimmer in to the metal plate inside the wall exactly where the old switch was.