Light switch wiring

[TK78]

I have a light switch that needs replacing and after cutting power took the cover off to reveal an unconnected red wire, and the earth attached to the switch unit, pic attached. The switch has always worked perfectly, just wanted to check this wiring is ok before I replace.

Thanks for any help.

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• TK78
• 9 Jul 2014
• 1

 

[AndyPRK]

you have pulled the red wire out of the top COM terminal.

The switch requires the 2 reds to function.


Put the red wire back in and the wiring is just about ok.
If the new switch is bigger you might struggle to fit it with that junction box

 

[JohnW2]

I have a light switch that needs replacing and after cutting power took the cover off to reveal an unconnected red wire, and the earth attached to the switch unit, pic attached. The switch has always worked perfectly, just wanted to check this wiring is ok before I replace.

It's certainly not 'OK' as it is!

If it was previously working perfectly, I presume that you pulled that wire (which presumably was 'loose') out of the 'unused' terminal on the switch when you pulled the faceplate forward - it needs reconnecting.

Kind Regards, John

 

[TK78]

Thanks. It must have just been sitting loose in the terminal as I took the switch off carefully. I also checked another switch in the house which was the same. Should I fasten it securely? Is the earth ok attached to the switch as it is attached to the back box on my other switch?

 

[JohnW2]

Thanks. It must have just been sitting loose in the terminal as I took the switch off carefully. I also checked another switch in the house which was the same. Should I fasten it securely?

Indeed, connect that loose red wire securely to the 'spare' terminal of the switch.

Is the earth ok attached to the switch as it is attached to the back box on my other switch?

If, as I suspect, the switch has a metal faceplate, then it is not only 'OK', but essential. Ideally, you should also connect the earth to the back box (with G/Y sleeved wire) - although the faceplace screws ought to establish that connection.

Kind Regards, John