The Motor Forum

DradusContact · Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2009 1:59 pm Post subject: Light switch help

Bit of a long shot i know.

But....

anyone any good with wiring? Trying to wire in a new 3 way light switch to replace the old plastic one. trouble is, the old one looks different to the new one, otherwise i would just swap it over.

The new one has something like:

Ive looked online and there seems to be suprisingly little in the way of guides
_________________

BeN · Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2009 3:17 pm Post subject:

Funny you should post this in The Lounge...
_________________
On the other side of the world - Hurlecot de Millou

Not the same since 2008

simonp · Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2009 3:24 pm Post subject:

You have L1 & L2 because it's what is known as a changeover switch. This means that the live feed, which usually connects to L will be alternated between L1 & L2 on each switching action i.e up is L to L1, down is L to L2.

HTH

DradusContact · Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2009 3:34 pm Post subject:

Okay think i get it, but....

What goes where!?
_________________

Humphrey The Pug · Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2009 3:45 pm Post subject:

I think you may need to get an electrician in!!
_________________
Mummy, Daddy, Sissy, Sassy Baby.

Boxer6 · Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2009 3:46 pm Post subject: Re: Light switch help

DradusContact · Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2009 3:52 pm Post subject:

Yeah, the new one seems to be upside down, but only in the middle, where the single l is at the bottom, so i just swap the middle one round yeah?
_________________

Boxer6 · Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2009 7:18 pm Post subject:

Giant · Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2009 10:27 pm Post subject:

As the resident electrician, the switch is the same as the old one with the middle gang inverted. Copy the old switch (inverting the middle gang to suit) is by far the best advice without seeing what cabling you have in the switch, whether the switch is fed, whether you have two way switching etc.

By the way, what you have there is a three gang switch NOT three way. A two gang switch has two switches on one plate, a two way switch is one light switched from two switches, commonly a light on a stairway switched from up and downstairs. A three way switching scenario is normally called intermediate switching and would have three switches for one light. It's an important distinction for us sparks!

EDIT!

I have just noticed you say replacing the old plastic switch, I assume you mean you're replacing it with a metal surrounded one? If so I hope there is an earth core on all the cables in the switch? If there is FFS connect them ALL to the earth terminal securely and if there isn't you REALLY shouldn't have metal switches in your house.

Hope this all helps!

simonp · Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2009 10:54 pm Post subject:

Boxer6 · Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2009 8:57 am Post subject:

DC - did it work?

Are you still alive?

Enquiring minds need to know!!!
_________________
Just keepin' on keeping on.

DradusContact · Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2009 10:27 am Post subject:

I was in the cinema last night so didnt get chance to do it. I think i am capable of doing it after reading this. Our house is a mid 70's ex council terrace so i imagine the wires will all be earthed? Its not like im in an 1800's cottage.

Thanks for advice everyone especially the stuff about earths, will let you know how i get on!
_________________

simonp · Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2009 10:35 am Post subject:

Tip: if the switches work upside down i.e up is on just swap L1 with L2 or vice versa.

DradusContact · Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2009 7:58 pm Post subject:

Did it! Thanks everyone for help. Took about 20 mins and i had a serious sweat on ut thats mainly due to weather.
_________________

Rodge · Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2009 9:10 pm Post subject:

Good Job. Nothing serious happened either because your internet and computer are still working, and you (or someone pretending to be you,) are back here typing again.
I'd have given you some great advice earlier but I normally only come into the lounge to drink tea and watch TV.
_________________

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm...ds.individual&VideoID=2869045

DradusContact · Posted: Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:31 am Post subject:

I actually understand it now, about the L1/L2 thing and how you can control a light from two switches, something i often (well once or twice) wondered about. Im going to swap one round as the hall light is set the wrong way, one of them always is in the off position when it should be in the on, if you get me.
_________________

PG · Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2009 2:23 pm Post subject:

We had a thread recently about the joy of doing a bit of spannering on your car. The joy at doing some wiring / plumbing / DIY job can be as great. I did a lot of the wiring here at home and the invention of push fit plumbing has revolutionised DIY plumbing (as I was always shit with a blow torch and soldered joints).

woof woof · Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2009 2:44 pm Post subject:

Mat, buy yourself a little multimeter. You can get them at Maplins or probably down your local supermarket too for under £10. Once you've got one you can check stuff like this out in no time at all.
_________________
woof woof's defence lawyer claimed that "Booze played no part in his typo's."

Confucius says "all reckless speeding is caused by accidents."

SpecB · Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2009 5:15 pm Post subject:

In these days of health and safety don't you have to get a spark to certify it now?
_________________

Mark

simonp · Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2009 6:13 pm Post subject:

Only new installations, I believe. Changing a light switch doesn't come under that category.