Single switch wires

[jjonesxx]

Hello,
Light switches are being updated currently wired as image.
Can someone help me understand how to replace with new switch and if the current black taped three wires, should they be left like that or is there another recommended way?

 

[endecotp]

My guess is that at some point in the past there was a second switch there, which was connected to those wires in the black tape. Maybe there is a light that is currently controlled by one switch, but previously it was also controlled by a second switch here?

Be sure to turn the power off before doing anything. In particular, note that you don't know which circuit those taped-up wires are connected to. Don't just turn off the lighting circuit, turn everything off.

Assuming that you just want to replicate what you have now, you can just connect your new switch to the red and black wires as currently.

Personally, I would investigate the taped-up blob and see what is connected to what, and how. In particular, if there are wires that are just twisted together you could reconnect them using a proper connector. I'm also curious about the earth wire, which should probably be connected to the earth terminal in the back box even if nothing else from that cable is connected to anything. But you might choose to leave it all as it is.

When you reassemble, push the black grommet back into the hole in the back box.

 

[pete01]

Is there a second switch? Do you want it back as 2 way?

If not

Red to com
black to L1

Leave red, yellow, blue, as they are.

If so....

Black to L1
Red to L2

And red, yellow, Blue the same in both switches

E.g.

Red to com
Yellow to L1 with the black
Blue to L2 with the red.

 

[jjonesxx]

@endecotp re -

' if there are wires that are just twisted together you could reconnect them using a proper connector ' what would a proper connector be?

' investigate the taped-up blob and see what is connected to what, and how' can a novice try to do that?

' I'm also curious about the earth wire, which should probably be connected to the earth terminal in the back box even if nothing else from that cable is connected to anything ' when you say probably, what would decide that?

Fully inderstand that I'm not an electrician and I do have an electrician coming next week. In the meantime I like to learn where I can.

 

[endecotp]

what would a proper connector be?

Terminal block or wago.

investigate the taped-up blob and see what is connected to what, and how' can a novice try to do that?

Turn off the power and unpeel the tape.

' I'm also curious about the earth wire, which should probably be connected to the earth terminal in the back box even if nothing else from that cable is connected to anything ' when you say probably, what would decide that?

I wonder, can anyone else imagine a situation where connecting that earth wire to the box terminal would not be the right thing to do? I guess I would want to find the other end of the cable first.

 

[jjonesxx]

@endecotp this is exactly why I don't ask questions.