2 Way Switch help! One switch immobilises the other

[WillShill]

Hi All,

I am a DIY'er renovating my 60s built house. I have been adding sockets myself and fitting new lights with no problems so far until I try to replace the 2 way switches at the top and bottom of my staircase. I just want to change the switches and keep the existing 2 way circuit in place.

The switches I have removed are old metal ones (terminals unlabeled) and I have replaced both with 2 way plastic switches. Although I have replicated exactly how I removed the old ones, I have an issue where each switch works ok individually, however when one is active, the other is immobilised.

Here is a description of the wiring. Socket 1 (upstairs) has 3 core blue yellow and red plus 2 core red and black. Socket 2 (downstairs) has just 3 core blue yellow and red. On both sockets I have connected the 3 core reds to coms, Blues to 2way and yellows to 1 way. In Socket 1 I have connected 2 core red to the 1 way terminal, and 2 core black to the 2 way terminal....following diagrams and videos online.

Where have I gone wrong? I read that in my instance the 2 core supply may be a switched live??? This is where I get lost. Help would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[telectrix]

this may help:

 

[DPG]

Nothing wrong a bit of advice at this level - nice one Tel for offering it.
Where do we stop - do we stop people working on their cars or bikes? Etc.

 

[Deleted member 9648]

Although I have replicated exactly how I removed the old ones.....

If I had a quid for every time I've heard this little gem.........

 

[sparksburnout]

Nothing wrong a bit of advice at this level - nice one Tel for offering it.
Where do we stop - do we stop people working on their cars or bikes? Etc.

I take your point to a degree. I have always done everything for myself, and of course it should be encouraged. Thing is, not everyone is up to it? If this scenario was the brakes on a car/bike then would we be so full of admiration? It is a dangerous thing in the wrong hands when all is said and done, some of the clueless souls on here (I am not pointing the finger at this guy in particular) make your eyes water, and I have to question sometimes if it should be encouraged. Where do we draw the line? It's OK saying "it's just a light switch" but, apparently, lighting circuits are responsible for the majority of domestic shock incidents.

 

[Dave OCD]

OP - I'd just double check that you've used the red of the three core as common at both switches and not accidentally used the twin red upstairs, apart from that it would have to be a dodgy connection or faulty switch as far as I can see.

 

[telectrix]

I take your point to a degree. I have always done everything for myself, and of course it should be encouraged. Thing is, not everyone is up to it? If this scenario was the brakes on a car/bike then would we be so full of admiration? It is a dangerous thing in the wrong hands when all is said and done, some of the clueless souls on here (I am not pointing the finger at this guy in particular) make your eyes water, and I have to question sometimes if it should be encouraged. Where do we draw the line? It's OK saying "it's just a light switch" but, apparently, lighting circuits are responsible for the majority of domestic shock incidents.

agree, but where do you draw the line? some DIYers are capable of more than others. some are just oxygen wasters.