Light Switch Help

[SQ89]

Hi,

I have just replaced the light switches in our kitchen/dining room. There is a single switch and a dual switch. The single switch just controls the kitchen lights and the dual switch controls the kitchen and the dining room lights.

The dining room switch is functioning perfectly however the kitchen lights aren't functioning as before. Both the single switch and the kitchen control on the dual switch work perfectly independently however when the dual switch is in the off position the single switch is unable to control the lights.

Any help or suggestions would be much appreciated?

 

[EFLImpudence]

A picture of the wires would help.

Too much to write otherwise.

 

[StudWall]

Off the top of my head you have a 2 way switching system, you will need a switch which has this function. If you do, try moving the cable from the l1 to l2 terminal on the switch, if it doesn't work try the same on the other switch

 

[SQ89]

Thanks for the replies, I've uploaded some pictures of the wiring here //www.diynot.com/network/SQ89/albums/23125 sorry they're not great.

I've got a LAP 2 gang 2 way switch and an LAP 1 gang 2 way switch on the fittings, I've tried swapping the L1 and L2 cables around a few times but to no avail so far.

 

[StudWall]

It's impossible to tell which wires go to where on the other switch but this is what it should be.

http://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/diy/electrics/light_fitting/two_way_harmonised.jpg

If you have a multimeter you should turn the power off and check

 

[EFLImpudence]

You must earth the metal face plates.

 

[SQ89]

Can I remove the earth from the back box and attach that to the face plate?

 

[bernardgreen]

You will need to identify which wire is which. The best way is to use a multi-meter to measure voltage to identify the incoming Live supply wires, and resistance ( continuity ) to identify the Switched Live ( to the lamps ) and the strappers ( the two wires that from on switch to the other for the two way function ). Buy a meter from B&Q or some where similar. Probably get one for less than £10 and be the best ( essential ) investment if you going to do any more electrical work.

More help when you have the meter.

The other thing you MUST do is connect the green / yellow sleeved earth wires to the EARTH terminal on the switch as they are ( apparently ) metal fronted switches.

EDIT ( I typed too slowly )

 

[sparkwright]

Can I remove the earth from the back box and attach that to the face plate?

That would be acceptable, but better to get a short length of earth wire between the box and the faceplate, so both are earthed.

 

[333rocky333]

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[ban-all-sheds]

Thanks for the replies, I've uploaded some pictures of the wiring here //www.diynot.com/network/SQ89/albums/23125

SQ - would you like to be able to put photos in your posts in future, so that you don't have to wait for someone else to show them?