Replacing old dimmer switch

[h2whoa]

Hi all,

Just moved into a house with an old dimmer switch in it, that requires a BS646 3A fuse to work. The fuse has gone, so was thinking I'd just put in a modern 1G1W switch. The front of the existing dimmer looks like this.

The wiring at the back (this house has the old UK wiring colours) has 2 reds in L1 and a yellow in Variable Load.

I'm thinking that all I need to do is put the two reds in the Common of a new switch and the yellow into the L1. Does this seem right to you experts?

Thanks!

 

[Taylortwocities]

Yes, a straight swop as you have oputlined is all you need.
If you go for a metal fitting, the front plate will need to be earthed.

 

[h2whoa]

Yes, a straight swop as you have oputlined is all you need.
If you go for a metal fitting, the front plate will need to be earthed.

Great, thank you very much!

 

[securespark]

For what it's worth, my opinion is that the MK dimmer you have there is much better built than the modern stuff and the fuse can be easily replaced.

If a lamp fails in the future (as it did this time), the fuse in the dimmer will fail instead of the circuit device.

 

[PBC_1966]

For what it's worth, my opinion is that the MK dimmer you have there is much better built than the modern stuff

I agree entirely. The BS646 fuses are still easily obtainable:

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Manufacturers/MK/Fuses_BS646/index.html

 

[h2whoa]

Hi securespark and PBC_1966. Thanks for the input, that's good to know. I've done some ringing around and found a small independent lighting shop that sells the fuses I need (can't get them in B&Q, apparently). Appreciate the assistance!