Terminating/blanking off 2 way switching

DIY Novice · Jan 5, 2019

Hi

I have two light switches literary opposite each other operating the same two lights, as a wall has been removed between them, meaning one of those switches is no longer used, is obsolete and has been behind a picture which covered up the issue. However I now wish to use a lightwave light switch, meaning one switch needs to be replaced with the light wave light switch but in order for this to work the other switch needs to be removed and blanked off so that it can operate as a one way two-gang switch.

Reading the lightwave instructions I'm comfortable that I could fix the lightwave light switch in place. I have fitted other ones and they are working correctly. However with this scenario there is one that needs blanket off and there are numerous wires in situ which I need to be aware how these are to be blocked off.

I have included a photograph of the lightwave switch, the wiring of where the lightwave switch is to be positioned and two pictures of the switch which needs to be blanked off, put simply, these ones have numerous wires on them.

I do know to ensure safety, and although I don't have any electricial training I believe that I would be able to do this with the advice from a professional electrician. I would like to be able to do this myself with this assistance as it offers a personal achievement.

Any clear detailed advice to make this a one way 2 gang, working lightwave switch would be appreciated.

[ElectriciansForums.net] Terminating/blanking off 2 way switching

westward10 · Jan 5, 2019

The chances of someone from a distance on here taking a risk and telling you what to disconnect/reconnect for that to either work or not work are pretty remote. The forum also has a policy not to give step by step advice for those who have no electrical competence.

Dave OCD · Jan 5, 2019

To be fair that looks like it would need working out properly by a professional on site, needn't cost a fortune but it could take up to two hours IMO.

bcm_spark · Jan 5, 2019

Been a while since I've popped on here and posted but couldn't help but notice this one.

So if I'm not wrong, you have 2no light switches that operate as a 2 way. One or both of them are 2 gang? One light switch is no longer used and is hidden behind a picture so essentially you are using one light switch as a one way. Why not just swap the switch and continue using as a one way? Or is this something to do with the Lightwave switch? I'm more heavy industrial these days and all this gadgetry wireless stuff is new to me I'm afraid

DIY Novice · Jan 5, 2019

bcm_spark said:
Been a while since I've popped on here and posted but couldn't help but notice this one.

So if I'm not wrong, you have 2no light switches that operate as a 2 way. One or both of them are 2 gang? One light switch is no longer used and is hidden behind a picture so essentially you are using one light switch as a one way. Why not just swap the switch and continue using as a one way? Or is this something to do with the Lightwave switch? I'm more heavy industrial these days and all this gadgetry wireless stuff is new to me I'm afraid

Thanks for your reply.

Yes that is exactly it.
The new wifi light switch cannot be linked up to the old switch. Technicalities of why I don't know, just that it won't work, will damage the wifi lightwave switch and is not to be done.

I can work out how to wire up the lightwave switch even though my house was rewired in the old colours in 2004 (which I am now a bit disappointed about, but that is an issue that will be dealt with again in time via a qualified electrician).

Otherwise I would have just kept it as is, just replaced the one switch.

I am researching how to blank it off. I am wondering if I used blocks and followed with the same coding as is if that would work.

I want the satisfaction of completing it myself, but of course I know I need to do it safely. That was the main aspect of it, as later in the year likely will be having an electrician in to do lots of things. Sometimes you just need an accomplishment and this for me is that little challenge and puzzle I would like to successfully and of course safely solve.

Squid · Jan 5, 2019

I have always had a hatred for brass accessories.......

DIY Novice · Jan 5, 2019

DIY Novice said:
Thanks for your reply.

Yes that is exactly it.
The new wifi light switch cannot be linked up to the old switch. Technicalities of why I don't know, just that it won't work, will damage the wifi lightwave switch and is not to be done.

I can work out how to wire up the lightwave switch even though my house was rewired in the old colours in 2004 (which I am now a bit disappointed about, but that is an issue that will be dealt with again in time via a qualified electrician).

Otherwise I would have just kept it as is, just replaced the one switch.

I am researching how to blank it off. I am wondering if I used blocks and followed with the same coding as is if that would work.

I want the satisfaction of completing it myself, but of course I know I need to do it safely. That was the main aspect of it, as later in the year likely will be having an electrician in to do lots of things. Sometimes you just need an accomplishment and this for me is that little challenge and puzzle I would like to successfully and of course safely solve.

Oh and both 2 gang operating 2 way currently, one a dimmer, one standard.

DIY Novice · Jan 5, 2019

SWD said:
I have always had a hatred for brass accessories.......

Lol, after having them, i can appreciate this aversion.

DPG · Jan 5, 2019

Brass sockets are OK in an English Heritage property. Anyone else who has them should be imprisoned for up to 2 years and have to sign some sort of register

DIY Novice · Jan 5, 2019

DPG said:
Brass sockets are OK in an English Heritage property. Anyone else who has them should be imprisoned for up to 2 years and have to sign some sort of register

A bit severe, not exactly helpful, but an amusing opinion.

westward10 · Jan 5, 2019

DIY Novice said:
Thanks for your reply.

Yes that is exactly it.
The new wifi light switch cannot be linked up to the old switch. Technicalities of why I don't know, just that it won't work, will damage the wifi lightwave switch and is not to be done.

I can work out how to wire up the lightwave switch even though my house was rewired in the old colours in 2004 (which I am now a bit disappointed about, but that is an issue that will be dealt with again in time via a qualified electrician).

Otherwise I would have just kept it as is, just replaced the one switch.

I am researching how to blank it off. I am wondering if I used blocks and followed with the same coding as is if that would work.

I want the satisfaction of completing it myself, but of course I know I need to do it safely. That was the main aspect of it, as later in the year likely will be having an electrician in to do lots of things. Sometimes you just need an accomplishment and this for me is that little challenge and puzzle I would like to successfully and of course safely solve.

As I previously stated we cannot give step by step advice to a non competent person. The fly in the ointment is the two blacks floating on the block connector as that seems a bit non conventional for what we call three plate wiring assuming that is the installation method.

DPG · Jan 5, 2019

DIY Novice said:
A bit severe, not exactly helpful, but an amusing opinion.

You will find both amusing opinions and very sound technical advice on this forum.

bcm_spark · Jan 5, 2019

Didn't see the blacks but never really looked at the pic if I'm honest. Neutrals perhaps looped in/out of switch?

Dave OCD · Jan 5, 2019

To the OP - Without wanting to cause any offence, if you like a little challenge and the satisfaction of achieving things I'd suggest finding something that doesn't involve mains electricity, so much can go wrong and it can seriously hurt or kill you in a moment.