Total novice - changing a two way light switch

[RachelM82]

Old wiring 2

• RachelM82
• 30 Sep 2016

New switch

• RachelM82
• 29 Sep 2016

Old wiring

• RachelM82
• 29 Sep 2016

Hi everyone,

Sorry in advance - total novice!! So diagrams would be much appreciated!

I'm changing a light switch which currently operates an outdoor light and a hallway light (neither of which are controlled anywhere else).

I purchased a 2-gang 2-way new switch and hopefully this is correct?!

Anyway, when the old one has been removed, the wiring is totally different. Could someone please advise what goes where to avoid blowing myself up the wall with a trial and error method?

Any advice is much appreciated!!

 

[AndyPRK]

A fairly easy one this for you.

The wires go into similar places.

The red wire at the top and the loop go into L.


The bottom wires go into L1 respectively. (if the switch works upside down, they go into L2)

The earth wire should also be connected up to that terminal on the front plate with a new bit of wire

 

[RachelM82]

A fairly easy one this for you.

The wires go into similar places.

The red wire at the top and the loop go into L.


The bottom wires go into L1 respectively. (if the switch works upside down, they go into L2)

The earth wire should also be connected up to that terminal on the front plate with a new bit of wire

Do I need to use a new piece of wire? Can I not just disconnect the green from the back box and connect it to the new plate?

Thanks for your help!

 

[John D v2.0]

1st step and most important step, is turn off the power at the main fuse box/ consumer unit.
The switch will be live even if the lights are off.
Then move the red wires that're looped, from the old switch to the same places at the top of the new switch.
Then move the bottom left red to the bottom left terminal, and the bottom right yellow to the third from left bottom on the new one.
Edit and as Andy says connect the earth from the back box to the switch terminal. You're allowed to move the green wire over and leave the place it already is empty, but I always add a flying lead for safety.
The other thing id add is that if you get the red and yellow wires mixed up there's no way to blow yourself up. The only danger would be from putting the wrong thing where the green wire should be or leaving the main power on without the switch screwed back properly.

 

[RachelM82]

1st step and most important step, is turn off the power at the main fuse box/ consumer unit.
The switch will be live even if the lights are off.
Then move the red wires that're looped, from the old switch to the same places at the top of the new switch.
Then move the bottom left red to the bottom left terminal, and the bottom right yellow to the third from right bottom on the new one.
Edit and as Andy says connect the earth from the back box to the switch terminal. You're allowed to move the green wire over and leave the place it already is empty, but I always add a flying lead for safety.
The other thing id add is that if you get the red and yellow wires mixed up there's no way to blow yourself up. The only danger would be from putting the wrong thing where the green wire should be or leaving the main power on without the switch screwed back properly.

Thank you! That's tonight's job sorted!

 

[Taylortwocities]

That's tonight's job sorted!

Better not to do it in the dark. Have gin tonight, change switch tomorrow, in the daylight, when the hangover has subsided!

 

[RachelM82]

Better not to do it in the dark. Have gin tonight, change switch tomorrow, in the daylight, when the hangover has subsided!

Yes, good idea. Alcohol tonight - once I've tampered with the electrics tomorrow, tonight could be the last drink I have for a while - I think they'd frown on it in hospital!

 

[John D v2.0]

If you are still worried, put a photo on here before you turn the power on! Someone will be around to confirm!

 

[RachelM82]

If you are still worried, put a photo on here before you turn the power on! Someone will be around to confirm!

That's a great idea and very much appreciated - thank you

 

[EFLImpudence]

Rotate right hand triangle 180° then it will be exactly the same as the new switch.

 

[boringoldcodger]

When JohnD said "bottom right yellow to the third from right bottom", I believe he meant "third from left bottom".

 

[John D v2.0]

When JohnD said "bottom right yellow to the third from right bottom", I believe he meant "third from left bottom".

Oops thanks, edited now!
Although it wouldn't be dangerous, would just be a fun setup

 

[securespark]

I'm always getting my left bottom and right bottom mixed up...

 

[EFLImpudence]

Just be grateful you're not one of those with a front bottom as well.