two gang light switch problem

[ban-all-sheds]

It's easier said than done down here in the far West of Cornwall.
This job is too small to even reply to phone calls.
I am sure with the help of all you good guys on this forum, we are not far from achieving success.

• Learn how lighting circuits are wired.
  • http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=electrical+circuits+101
    
    
  • http://kevinboone.net/electricity.html
    
    
  • http://web.archive.org/web/20080213151445/http://www.kevinboone.com/domesticinstallations.html
    
    
  • http://www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:lighting
    
    
  • http://www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:books
    
    
  • http://www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics[/list]
  • Get a new multimeter.
  • Identify which conductors are which at the switches and the light positions.
  • Check for voltage present, circuit continuity, switches working etc
  • Track down the problem and fix it.
  The thing is you must, you absolutely MUST, understand what you are doing. You must not, under any circumstances, start following instructions to 'insert this wire in that hole' without a full and genuine understanding of why.

 

[rosie5golf]

Hi John,
Yes, with the Hall light switched off, the lounge light works perfectly.
Even with the lounge light switched off, when I switch the hall light on, they both come on dimly. Ponder on Ha,Ha.

 

[rosie5golf]

Also John, I have just tested it all again and this is to add to your pondering, when I switch the lounge light on, the hall light does not work and, if switch off and on the lounge dimmer switch, the lounge light flickers.

 

[JohnW2]

Hi John, Yes, with the Hall light switched off, the lounge light works perfectly. Even with the lounge light switched off, when I switch the hall light on, they both come on dimly. Ponder on Ha,Ha.

Fair enough, but what I was asking you to confirm was that if the hall light is switched off, it does not come on, even dimly, when the lounge lights are switched on. Is that correct?

Kind Regards, John

 

[AndyPRK]

You should see a terminal with 2 blacks and the blue drop wire to the light

Rather obviously you have connected the loose black into the wrong terminal.

You have connected it into the switched live terminal. Therefore the hall light is getting its neutral through the living room lamp.

As I said above you need to connect it to the other terminal with the black wire (and blue drop wire)

Anyway, well done for finding the loose wire

 

[JohnW2]

Also John, I have just tested it all again and this is to add to your pondering, when I switch the lounge light on, the hall light does not work and, if switch off and on the lounge dimmer switch, the lounge light flickers.

Fair enough. In that case, what Andy has suggested could well be right.

Kind Regards, John

 

[AndyPRK]

Make sure you know which black you are moving. If you move the wrong one you will break your dimmer switch, and blow the fuse/mcb. (as a minimum)

If in doubt, disconnect the black wire, ensure lounge light still works, and hall light doesn't. You know you have the correct wire then

 

[ban-all-sheds]

If in doubt, disconnect the black wire, ensure lounge light still works, and hall light doesn't. You know you have the correct wire then

No - if in doubt identify the conductors by acquiring an understanding of how it all works and by using test equipment.

Nothing else is even slightly acceptable.

 

[rosie5golf]

Thanks all.
I will have look at it on Saturday as I am off to London to celebrate my Dads 90th on the 30th. I will return late on Friday so will have look over the weekend.

 

[rosie5golf]

Well guys,
I couldn't rest and drive to London without trying just one more time.
And thanks to Andy, I found that I had put the wire into the wrong block.
Everything is now working correctly.
I can't thank you enough. If you ever get to Cornwall, we between Redruth and Camborne, I will be happy to buy you a pasties and a pint.
Thanks once again.
Terry

 

[JohnW2]

And thanks to Andy, I found that I had put the wire into the wrong block. Everything is now working correctly.

I'm glad to hear that it's sorted out, and didn't prove as complicated as I had feared it might be. Have a good celebration!

Kind Regards, John