what switch do i have

[trinto]

i have a rudimentary knowledge of electrics, but my lighting circuit is a bit confusing, its a council leasehold flat within a block and the council did a bit of renovation about 20 yrs ago including electrics.

i went to change the light switch in the kitchen from white switch to chrome, switch feeds a wall light and a fluorescent light, the fluorescent is the only ceiling light in the flat, the switch has 8 wires going into it, 4 holes ...2 wires in each, i am assuming the loop in loop out is done via the switch, anyway i bought an intermediate switch and changed it, but it keeps blowing the fuse, i know i did it right (well obviously wrong), now without sounding thick, have i misunderstood, should i actually be using a double pole lswitch.., I put old switch back on and thing works fine, removing one wire kills lights in living room next to kitchen, thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

[riveralt]

A photograph of the switch and wiring set up that works would be helpful.

You could have wired a switch wire and neutral together.

You can use an intermediate as a one way or two way see

//www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:lighting:intermediate

 

[AndyPRK]

Well as you say, it is probably a double pole switch.

 

[ColJack]

single switch feeding both a wall light and ceiling light?
4 holes in 1 switch?
then yes it's DP and not intermediate.. you got the wrong switch..

 

[riveralt]

the switch has 8 wires going into it, 4 holes ...2 wires in each, i am assuming the loop in loop out is done via the switch.

You don't mention any earth wires - if your lighting circuit doesn't have an earth then you cannot use metal light switches or lamps.

 

[trinto]

yes the more i think of it, it must be a dp switch, it is earthed and i am happy to admit i was wrong, didnt understand it at first, hadnt seen it before, im used to the more conventional system loop in out of the light socket, thanks for your help and happy new year.