One switch - two outside lights - cant work it out - help

[peter01443]

Cables already exist for two outside lights - either saide of front door.

At each location there are two cables protruding through the stonework, one cable is twin (red + black) and earth, the other is a single (red) and earth.

The wall switch had been left with one (red) wire unconnected (obviusly until the fittings were insitu. I have connected that to the switch.

However, what do I do at the fittings? What I have so far tried has once blown the 5amp fuse in the fusebox or more often just not worked?

Suggestions - or better still the definitive answer ould be much appreciated.

Thanks

Peter

 

[sparkyspike]

What cables have you got in the lightswitch box?

 

[securespark]

Piccys!!!

 

[peter01443]

The Switch for these two outside lights is a double switch, it also controls an indoor hall light which can also be controlled on ne other switch.

Therefore the switch box was as follows:-

Top
L1 - empty
L2 - empty
Common - Red

Bottom
Common - Red
L1 - Red
L2 - Black

Inside the box there was one red wire not connected, and being as the top L2 slot had been unscrewed ready for the wire, I assume that this is where the red should go!

Can't do pics at the minute - but if it becomes absolutely necessary I cansort something out.

Does any of this make sense to anyone?

 

[jj4091]

I think your assumption about the switch is probably correct, but something seems amiss with the exterior cables.If you do not have the tools or knowledge to establish what, then I think you need help on site. I presume you have tried the obvious, 2reds to 1 terminal black to other.

 

[securespark]

From your description, one switch only has a common connected, but nothing else. You must either have the description wrong, or else this switch does nothing.

Is that why your lights don't work?

 

[peter01443]

Switch box is as I said - just checked - there is no other unused cables. It looks as if there is one twin and earth coming to it, and three live and earth.

I am guessing that you would expect another neutral (black) in there?

Can you explain what you would expect to happen in this scenario especially at the fittings.

 

[sparkyspike]

I would guess you would need to link the two L1s together and wire your 2 spare reds into the common. Then you may have a live, a switched live and a neutral at each light. This is only one possibility. Have a look in the interior light fitting and see if there is more than one cable connected to the switched live terminal. You could do with a multimeter! Or an electrician

 

[securespark]

Be better with pictures!