New light switches

[con1_uk]

I have been fitting 2 new light switches today both where plastic and the new ones are conductive. The metal backboxes are earthed and the new switches will also be earthed.

I removed the first switch and fitted the new on and when I tested it it worked fine so I moved onto the next one and thats where the problems started.

The first switch has two switched on controling 2 lights and the second one is a single switch controlling one light.

Now the original light no longer works and a light I havnt even touched no lobger works.

I have taken pictures which I can add if required.

Pictures are here



Old Switch




New Switch


Thanks.

 

[Qedelec]

Pictures would help. Did the old switch have a little wire going from 'com' of one switch to 'com' of the other

 

[con1_uk]

Yep

Piccies above

Thanks

 

[mst]

Was that red live wire cut back when you first took the switch off?

I think were lacking something here

 

[Qedelec]

That red wire in the first picture is a strapper and need to go from L to L of the new switch.
The two grey's go in either of the L1's

 

[con1_uk]

Yep it was just loose and I will choc bloc it when im sorted.

I did strip it back a little for a bit of earth wire.

That red wire in the first picture is a strapper and need to go from L to L of the new switch.
The two grey's go in either of the L1's

The cut back wire or the short link?

 

[Qedelec]

All the wires except the earth must be sleeved in brown or red sleeving to identify them as 'LIVE' conductors.

the link

 

[con1_uk]

Im not that far on yet mate I need to get the lights working first.


Would getting this switch wrong stop the other (Not touched) light working?

 

[Qedelec]

of course.

 

[con1_uk]

the link

Yep thats how I set it up

on the new switch I linked L to L using the short red link cable and then the 2 blacks into each L1.

The 2nd switch contained 2 reds and 3 blacks

the 2 reds went into the switch and the 3 blacks where all choc blocked together.

Nearly forgot to add I have changed everything back to the old stuff and Im still having the same problems.

_______________________________
lynda, moderator

con1_uk, please see item g, forum rules

 

[JohnD]

Have you changed anything at the ceiling, or just in the switches?

I think you are going to need a multimeter to identify what each wire does. Have you got one? Although there only seem to be black and red wires, each can fulfill a different function. By testing you should be able to identify what each does, and then, how to connect it.

 

[con1_uk]

Yea not touched the celing at all just the 2 switches thats why I cant understand whats going on????

The 2nd switch is just a 1 way that controls one light which will work no matter which way you wire it.

After all this has happened I reverted back to before I started but it still dont work.

Belive it or not I took the pics before I started......

Thanks.
___________________________
Lynda, moderator

con1_uk, will you please use the edit button.

also see forum rule 1

 

[con1_uk]

Hello again,

What can I do with my lights please?

Has anybody got any ideas?


Thanks,
Conrad.

 

[JohnD]

...I think you are going to need a multimeter to identify what each wire does. Have you got one? ...

 

[con1_uk]

Whoops sorry mate I missed that, I aint got a multimeter