3 way lighting circuit question

[spynage]

I'm trying to sort out some 3 way lighting in a newish build property.

The intermediate switch was broken which I replaced. The lights didn't work properly.

I noticed the common cable was linked to the neutrals in the box so I endeavoured to rewire everything as someone had obviously had a go at it.

However I've noticed that the switch cable for the 1 light it serves in the hallway is at the other end of the circuit away from the permanent live connection. I can't get the circuit to operate properly, I get a permanent 'on' on the last switch. I'm assuming there is no way this arrangement will work with the switch cable where it is or is there another way to rewire this?

Many Thanks

Sinclair

 

[telectrix]

think you need tot trace the cables and draw it out. the it mayt be comme apparent howit'sdone.

 

[spynage]

think you need tot trace the cables and draw it out. the it mayt be comme apparent howit'sdone.

Yeah do a little diagram? Spent a while on it. Just think the intermediate being in the way means the live keeps swapping over on the L1 L2 and with the common as well means i can't achieve an off position. I don't know I'll give it a go.

 

[Octopus]

You need a piece of paper and a pencil and about 45 minutes

 

[davesparks]

Sounds like a standard two way circuit to me, permanent live on the common of the first switch, the switches linked by strappers and switch live from the common of the last switch.

 

[spynage]

Yep that looks about right. Its a 2 wire system for 3 way lighting?

Cheers.

 

[davesparks]

Yep that looks about right. Its a 2 wire system for 3 way lighting?

Cheers.

It's the basic two way lighting circuit every electrician learns in their first few days on the job

 

[Risteard]

Also, there is no such thing as "3-way lighting".

It is two-way and intermediate.

It does not switch in three ways.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

I can never quite work out how this has occurred in the first place. Once its been connected up a quick check of the light will show that its not switching properly.

I enjoy 2 way lighting problems, especially if there is an intermediate as that makes it harder to solve.

In this case I would find it impossible to solve without seeing a picture of what's behind the light switches with each conductor labelled as to where they go. So as the others have said, continuity tests and start compiling a diagram.

I think I'd be closer to an hour Murdoch

 

[gutterball]

3 way lighting is an American thing, as in it is controlled from 3 positions. Same thing different terminology.