I would like to swap a two-gang rocker light switch for a two-gang dimmer switch. The switch that I am replacing operates wall lights and a pendant light and is the only switch for these lights (one-way). The wall lights come on separately from the pendant light - so there is one switch for wall, one for pendant.
When I lifted the original rocker switch off, I expected to find two cables, each with one red and one black wire. However, there is only one cable with one red, one blue, one yellow wire. Also the labelling of the original light fitting was not what I expected. Instead of C, L1, L2 etc. it has following connections: A, A1, A2; B, B1, B2. The switch is wired as follows:
Red wire to A; extension of red wire from A to B
Blue wire to A1
Yellow wire to B1
Although I don't understand how this wiring means that the two lights come on independently, I thought I would try to replicate it as much as possible. So I wired the new fitting as follows:
Red wire to C in first dimmer; extension of red wire to C in second dimmer
Blue wire to L1 in first dimmer box
Yellow wire to L1 in second dimmer box
Needless to say, this does not work. New switch only operates pendant light.
I think I need a special kind of switch. I would still like to replace the original (dirty, stained). Does anybody have any suggestions. I have no idea what this kind of switch is called.
I am a DIY-er and have changed lots of switches. But I am certainly no electrician, so your patience is much appreciated.
Many thanks
When I lifted the original rocker switch off, I expected to find two cables, each with one red and one black wire. However, there is only one cable with one red, one blue, one yellow wire. Also the labelling of the original light fitting was not what I expected. Instead of C, L1, L2 etc. it has following connections: A, A1, A2; B, B1, B2. The switch is wired as follows:
Red wire to A; extension of red wire from A to B
Blue wire to A1
Yellow wire to B1
Although I don't understand how this wiring means that the two lights come on independently, I thought I would try to replicate it as much as possible. So I wired the new fitting as follows:
Red wire to C in first dimmer; extension of red wire to C in second dimmer
Blue wire to L1 in first dimmer box
Yellow wire to L1 in second dimmer box
Needless to say, this does not work. New switch only operates pendant light.
I think I need a special kind of switch. I would still like to replace the original (dirty, stained). Does anybody have any suggestions. I have no idea what this kind of switch is called.
I am a DIY-er and have changed lots of switches. But I am certainly no electrician, so your patience is much appreciated.
Many thanks
