wireing 2black 1 red

[stewieleake]

hi my name is stuart.My problem is I am changing an old round lite switch to a new.The problem is it has 2 black wires and 1 red.What do I do and how do I know whats what.I am guessing its 2 way but that's it.I am nut sure what to do I want to make sure first can you help please

 

[sparkwright]

Is this in a hall/landing by any chance?

Which WIRES emerge from each CABLE?

What's at the other switch?

 

[stewieleake]

hi my name is stuart.My problem is I am changing an old round lite switch to a new.The problem is it has 2 black wires and 1 red.What do I do and how do I know whats what.I am guessing its 2 way but that's it.I am nut sure what to do I want to make sure first can you help please[.
The switch I looked at is down stairs and the switch with the cover of you are looking at the top if you want to call it that they are side by side and the other goes to the bottom right of the switch.On a new two way switch what goes where please the wires 2 back and 1 red I will have another look 2morrow thanku for your help

 

[sparkwright]

(sigh)

 

[sparkwright]

You should be able to tell us the markings or positions on the old switch.

Then tell us the markings on the new switch.

We can then tell you where the wires go.

ASSUMING you haven't already removed the old switch.

Or if you have, perhaps you have made a note where each wire went.

 

[securespark]

The switch I looked at is down stairs and the switch with the cover of you are looking at the top if you want to call it that they are side by side and the other goes to the bottom right of the switch.

Which conductors go to which terminals, how are the conductors grouped in each cable and what do the connections and cables look like at the other switch?

Please post photos.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Stewie - Basically you really are going to have to learn how lighting circuits and switches should be wired, find out how yours is/was wired, and put it right.

http://www.diynot.com/wiki/Electrics:Lighting

Doing electrical work without a full and genuine understanding of how the things you are fiddling with actually work, following instructions to put-this-wire-in-that-terminal without truly understanding why, trying different combinations hoping to hit on the right one by luck, are stupid ideas, seriously not to be recommended.

There really is only Plan A or Plan B:

PLAN A:

• Learn how lighting circuits are wired.
• Get a multimeter and learn how to use it.
• Identify which conductors are which at the switches and the light positions.
• Check for voltage present, circuit continuity, switches working etc.
• Connect everything up properly.

PLAN B:

• Get an electrician.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

(sigh)

 

[flameport]

an old round lite switch
...
2 black wires and 1 red.

Conduit system with light switch from 50+ years ago?

Probably rather more required here than just replacing a switch.

 

[securespark]

Excellent point.

The photos would show what we are dealing with.