Replace double one-way light switch with Single

[Playhouse]

Hello All - hopefully a simple one but I can't find my exact query answered here already...

I have a double switch operating two ceiling lights independently. I want to replace this with a sinlge dimmer switch which will operate both lights together. Do I just need to connect the L1 and N wires from the separate switches together in the new switch or is it more complicated than that?

Thanks!

 

[bernardgreen]

If there are four or more wires connected to the switch then it probably is more complicated.

A picture of the rear of the switch will help to get best advice.

Do both lights operate from the same fuse / MCB in the fuse box / consumer unit ? If not from the same fuse / MCB then you cannot control both lights from a single switch.

It might be easier to ignore the dimmer and use a double pole switch, This is two switches both operated by the same rocker.

 

[deadshort]

Hi, before you get scared off ! Post a picture of the wiring of the existing switch then we can advise without guessing and making it sound very complicated when it maybe very straight forward.

Regards,

DS

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Do I just need to connect the L1 and N wires from the separate switches together in the new switch or is it more complicated than that?

There won't any any N conductors connected to the switch - with light switches black/blue cable cores are NOT neutrals.

I think you really should spend a bit of time learning how things work before fiddling with them - hoping to do electrical work on the basis if just following instructions to put-this-wire-in-that-hole without genuinely understanding why is not a good idea.

• http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=electrical+circuits+101
  
  
• http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=uk+house+wiring+(basics+OR+101)
  
  
• http://kevinboone.net/electricity.html
  
  
• //www.diynot.com/wiki/Electrics:Lighting
  
  
• //www.diynot.com/wiki/Electrics:books
  
  
• //www.diynot.com/wiki/Electrics:index