I had 2 switches to one big room and have divided the room into two. I want to make my 2way switches into 2 one way switches- one for each room. the wiring in each switch is identical, and when they are both off, only the yellow is live on one and on the other its the blue and red. What do I need to do?
two way to one way
- Thread starter easilyled
- Start date
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im guessing the three and earth cable is split somewhere (hopefully in a light fitting)
the yellow and blue wires go straight through
the red is cut one side going to the premanent live and one going to the live of the light.
i need to know what the wiring is like at the lights before i can advise further
the yellow and blue wires go straight through
the red is cut one side going to the premanent live and one going to the live of the light.
i need to know what the wiring is like at the lights before i can advise further
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Usually with this method, the red from each switch would be in a term block, and the two yellows in the SWITCHED side of the light, and the two blues in the LIVE side of the light.
Very rarely see it done the 'conduit' method with T+E down this way Plug. Your way uses two term blocks, our way uses one. More space for us
Very rarely see it done the 'conduit' method with T+E down this way Plug. Your way uses two term blocks, our way uses one. More space for us
I'm thinking if the wiring at each switch is identical it means the 'live' will enter one switch at 'com' and the 'switched live' will leave the other switch from 'com'.
This leaves just two wires linking the switches L1 to L1 and L2 to L2.
This needs to be understood and confirmed, along with which wires link the switches before making any changes.
This leaves just two wires linking the switches L1 to L1 and L2 to L2.
This needs to be understood and confirmed, along with which wires link the switches before making any changes.
he has said the red wires go to com
what is strange is that the yellow was live at one switch and the blue at the other (i assume switches weren't switched between theese tests)
im guessing the 3 and earth goes into a 4 terminal junction box somewhere with the switch cable to the light running from there
what is strange is that the yellow was live at one switch and the blue at the other (i assume switches weren't switched between theese tests)
im guessing the 3 and earth goes into a 4 terminal junction box somewhere with the switch cable to the light running from there
Thanks to you all for your input so far, I can confirm that there are no other wires in the switches, just the ones I mentioned. Also that for my tests the switches weren't switched between tests.
So, there are three light fittings, the first which is closest to the switch lets call it L1 has 2 red wires and 2 black as you would expect (I think), the next closest lets callit L2 has the same connections, L3 which looks to be a spur from L2 has only 1 red and black.
If you followed that... I want 1 of the switches to operate L1 only and the other to operate L2 and L3 together, as there is now a dividing stud wall between L1 and L2&3.
Does that make any sense??
So, there are three light fittings, the first which is closest to the switch lets call it L1 has 2 red wires and 2 black as you would expect (I think), the next closest lets callit L2 has the same connections, L3 which looks to be a spur from L2 has only 1 red and black.
If you followed that... I want 1 of the switches to operate L1 only and the other to operate L2 and L3 together, as there is now a dividing stud wall between L1 and L2&3.
Does that make any sense??
1) It's what's at, and between, the switches that is of more interest right now than the lights themselves.
2) Please do a drawing and post it.
3) Please, immediately and forever stop referring to your lights as Ln. L1, L2 and L3 are used to identify terminals on light switches, and if you're looking for instructions on how to wire things up we're all going to get abysmally confused....
2) Please do a drawing and post it.
3) Please, immediately and forever stop referring to your lights as Ln. L1, L2 and L3 are used to identify terminals on light switches, and if you're looking for instructions on how to wire things up we're all going to get abysmally confused....
ok, its obvious I don't know enough about what's happening between the switches and the light fittings themselves. Apologies for my ignorance of the terminology conventions.
Also, as a believer of the notion that if it aint broke dont fix it, I am coming to the conclusion that I have just come across an unusual setup and should leave well alone (getting someone in in person to take a look)
Judging by all your comments, its not as simple as I thought! A picture isn't practical for me as I don't know the terms (as you gathered) and I don't know what is between the parts under the plastering/ceiling. I have seen no evidence of any terminal blocks in any of the positions I have access to. I have given you as much info as I can. Should I just leave it?
Also, as a believer of the notion that if it aint broke dont fix it, I am coming to the conclusion that I have just come across an unusual setup and should leave well alone (getting someone in in person to take a look)
Judging by all your comments, its not as simple as I thought! A picture isn't practical for me as I don't know the terms (as you gathered) and I don't know what is between the parts under the plastering/ceiling. I have seen no evidence of any terminal blocks in any of the positions I have access to. I have given you as much info as I can. Should I just leave it?
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