Switch and cable confusion

[Filll09]

I want to change my outdoor light. Removing the old switched (indoor) light I discovered two core and earth cables coming out of the wall with one brown and blue capped and not connected.

But on inspection the live is on one cable and return (neutral) on the second cable!

Going back to the indoor switch, which separately turns on the outdoor light and the internal overhead lights, its top row is a used L1 (live Black wire) unused L3, used L2 (Brown); the bottom tier are (left to right) L3 Grey (Brown sleeve, not live), L2 Brown (Live) bridged to L1.

I do not understand this wiring and wish, if possible to remove one of the two cables going outdoors.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Firstly, understand the switch terminals.
They are not top tier and bottom tier but two triangles with one inverted.

...L1.........L3..L2

L3..L2.........L1...



As the colours at the switches are completely different than at the light, it is impossible to be certain what has been done in between.
If you want to remove one of the cables then, obviously, you will have to find the other ends of them.

I assume from the switch wiring that there is also another switch which operates the interior light.
Pictures of both switches so that we can see all the terminals and any wires in the back boxes might help but junction boxes somewhere else seems likely.

 

[Filll09]

Thanks. Well that basis, from the left, L1, L3 and L2 are the switch for the indoor utility light; unused L3, L2 and bridged L2+L1 are for the outdoor light. (The Red tape is for my benefit to indicate Live wires.)

 

[Filll09]

Forgot to mention, first switch (left) outside light, second inside.

 

[Filll09]

The crimped wires are both dead under all switch options (checked).

 

[Filll09]

Oh yes, all flex as you say.

 

[winston1]

and use pvc tape to make them water tight.

Until it falls off! Use self amalgamating tape, much better.

 

[conny]

I would imagine the outdoor light is waterproof anyway so if they are inside of it with the other cables there's no need for 'insulating' tape.