Inheritance

[Benway]

I hate moving to a new house, inheriting someone else's wiring and trying to work out why the landing light isn't working properly.....

Landing Lighting 0213122015

• Benway
• 13 Dec 2015

 

[Benway]

So.... If I chock block the intermediate switch and everything seems to work OK. Both switches can turn the light on and off, can I assume that the intermediate switch is broken? I assume there is no way to wire it wrong as long as you get the cables to the right side of the switch? (L1, L1 & L2, L2)

 

[sparkwright]

Sounds very reasonable.
Intermediate switches can go wrong

 

[sparkwright]

Usually the wires from one cable go in the top terminals, the wires from another cable in the bottom terminals.

 

[Benway]

Thanks. Looks like I need to go shopping for a new switch!

Then onto the single socket in the kitchen that doesn't work that seems to go outside then changes to armoured.......

 

[Jackrae]

Supply to your garage/shed/greenhouse?

 

[PBC_1966]

I assume there is no way to wire it wrong as long as you get the cables to the right side of the switch? (L1, L1 & L2, L2)

If you mix up the connections, you could end up with a situation in which with the intermediate switch in one position the other two switches work properly, and with the intermediate switch in the other position the light will stay permanently off or permanently on (depending upon the wiring method of the 2-ways - if your diagram is correct, it would be permanently off).

 

[Benway]

I think two of the switches were wired incorrectly or had a lose connection, that coupled with the faulty switch complicated fault finding. New intermediate switch ordered, so hopefully that will solve the issue.

With regards to the faulty kitchen socket that is the FEED to the socket. There is only one cable, no ring or radial. Very strange!

 

[333rocky333]

Id test the old switch with a multimeter first

one position wires are "II" straight through across switch
2nd position wires are "X" crossed.

Then connect as need be ignoring the L1,L2 markings

 

[Benway]

Should have thought of that hours ago! Switch confirmed as have 1 dead connector. Just gotta wait for the postman now.

 

[Benway]

New intermediate switch sorted it. Thanks all.

 

[securespark]

With regards to the faulty kitchen socket that is the FEED to the socket.

How do you know until you trace the end of the SWA?

I have come across disused accessories with one wire attached that is a feed to elsewhere and the supply to the socket has been disconnected or cut off or removed.

 

[securespark]

If that really is the feed to the socket, there could be a joint in the BESA box that has gone OC.

 

[PBC_1966]

Have you looked inside that junction box? There may be more than just one set of wires coming down from the conduit and anotrher set going off to wherever in the armored, e.g. you might have something coming into the back of the box through the brickwork.