Wired up wrong

Joined
13 Oct 2018
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
Country
United Kingdom
A new switch was put in on the landing but now when you turn the light on upstairs you can’t turn it off downstairs.
 

Attachments

  • 87D12645-BA46-45DD-A702-DDD24665456B.jpeg
    87D12645-BA46-45DD-A702-DDD24665456B.jpeg
    298.8 KB · Views: 216
How was the old one wired up?
Have you still got it? can you show a photo of the back of it - explain what wire went where if you can?

Tip: Always photo before as well as afterwards.

Also the switch plate itself needs a sleeved earth wire connecting to it, this can be taken from the earth connection that is on the back box.
 
This was put on years ago by my ex. Just decided I’d try and sort it now as trying to get things straight in the house.
 
Ahhh!
That explains all :)

THen you need to sort an earth wire more than you need to swap the other wires. :)
 
A picture of the other switch is essential, quessing is not the way forward.
Moreso if the other switch is a Multigang
 
A picture of the other switch is essential, quessing is not the way forward.
Moreso if the other switch is a Multigang

What other switch? The one downstairs? That has 3 on. 1 for outside light. 2 for Hall. 1 for upstairs
 
probably best, get an electrician to sort it for you - there are usually a few knocking about down the pub or on street corners. :)
 
What other switch? The one downstairs? That has 3 on. 1 for outside light. 2 for Hall. 1 for upstairs

Yes. but i would prefer you leave it if you dont feel safe as theres a lot of wires in it as its 3 gang.

Basically in the switch you show there is two main cables,
Cable 1 is 2 core and Earth to the light fitting this contains a
RED
BLACK with a RED oversleeve
That looks connected as normal

Cable 2 is 3 core and Earth to the other switch this contains,
RED
YELLOW
BLUE

As cable 2 is going to the other switch, it could well be, at this other switch where its connected wrong, did he also replace that switch.
The red core could be carrying a Linked Live Feed to the other switch, to power the outside light or hall or even both.
As thats a 3 gang switch, there is likely short linked wires as feeds to the other switches, so it could all be a bit complicated to sort out, if it had been a single switch then as suggested in post 3 by EFLI would likely have sorted it.
 
Yes. but i would prefer you leave it if you dont feel safe as theres a lot of wires in it as its 3 gang.

Basically in the switch you show there is two main cables,
Cable 1 is 2 core and Earth to the light fitting this contains a
RED
BLACK with a RED oversleeve
That looks connected as normal

Cable 2 is 3 core and Earth to the other switch this contains,
RED
YELLOW
BLUE

As cable 2 is going to the other switch, it could well be, at this other switch where its connected wrong, did he also replace that switch.
The red core could be carrying a Linked Live Feed to the other switch, to power the outside light or hall or even both.
As thats a 3 gang switch, there is likely short linked wires as feeds to the other switches, so it could all be a bit complicated to sort out, if it had been a single switch then as suggested in post 3 by EFLI would likely have sorted it.


He only replaced this one. As you can see not that good at diy. Thats really well explained but seems complicated. I’m guessing I best leave it as it is until I can afford an electrician.
 

If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.

Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.


Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local

 
Back
Top