Replace old light switch with new

[Paul Higgins]

We have redecorated and want to replace some light switches
The switch is a 3 gang switch
- left controls the outside light
-middle controls downstairs toilet
-left controls the hall light

The hall light is also controlled by a switch which is 2metres away.
The switch 2m away only works when the right hand switch on the 3 gang is switched on

We want to replace the 3 gang switch with a 2 gang switch (which would operate the outside light and toilet) and so the switch 2m away would be the only switch for the hall light (this is wired 2 way just now)

But the old switch is wired as you can see below with L1 L2 L3 labels but the new switch is labelled Com/1way/2way

Can anyone advise what I should do?
Cheers

top view of old switch

Bottom view of old switch

new switch

 

[ban-all-sheds]

 

[Paul Higgins]

What wired should I not connect, from the 3 gang switch to 2 gang. (And can I just insulate with tape and leave disconnected?)

 

[securespark]

What does the wiring look like in the hall switch you are keeping?

Are you sure getting rida of one will not be a PIA?

 

[Paul Higgins]

It’s a new switch with common 1way 2way connections.
Currently wired to the 2way.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

What wired should I not connect, from the 3 gang switch to 2 gang.

The one(s) which are in the gang which currently never does anything.

If you do not have a gang which never does anything then obviously removing and leaving unconnected the wires from it will not leave you with a system which works in the same way it does now.

(And can I just insulate with tape and leave disconnected?)

Insulating with tape is a no-no, firstly tape doesn't insulate properly, and secondly it falls off. The safe way to deal with ends of wires not connected to terminals is to put a piece of choc-block on the end.

As for leaving disconnected, then as above - if you do that then you will not end up with switches that work properly. You cannot simply disconnect the wires from one of a pair of 2-way switches and expect the remaining one to work as a 1-way one.

It’s a new switch with common 1way 2way connections.
Currently wired to the 2way.

Basically you're going to have to choose between Plan A and Plan B.

PLAN A:

• Learn how lighting circuits are wired.
  • //www.diynot.com/wiki/Electrics:Lighting
  • http://wiki.diyfaq.org.uk/index.php/House_Wiring_for_Beginners#Lighting
    
  • http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=uk+lighting+wiring+(basics+OR+101)
  • //www.diynot.com/wiki/Electrics:books
  • //www.diynot.com/wiki/Electrics:index
• Get a multimeter and learn how to use it.
• Identify which conductors are which at the switches and the light positions.
• Work out what should go where given the new switching arrangements you want.
  
• Connect everything up properly.

PLAN B:

• Get an electrician.

There are some irresponsible people here who will tell you that there is a Plan C, which is to start trying different things without really knowing what's going on, hoping to get it working by luck, or by blindly following instructions to put-this-wire-in-that-hole without any idea as to why. Please don't listen to them - you must know what, and truly understand what, you are doing.

Electrical-installation-by-guesswork is a foolish idea.

There is no Plan C for anybody sensible.