Changing my light switch... or not as the case may be...

[Debian]

So I decided to replace the light switch in the living room.....thought it woud be five minute job!

We have a ceiling light and wall lights in the living room. They are managed by a 2gang switch.

I simply wanted to change the switch for a new one.

It seems no matter how I cable it, I can't get the ceiling and wall lights acting independently.

It appears the landing light is also on the same circuit as the living room, which would probably explain why this is not so simple??

Can anyone tell me how the new switch should be cabled?




This is the original light switch, note the black wire is not attached, I guess it came off as I removed the switch?


These are the wires that were attached to the original switch, there are two white cables, one has an earth live and neutral. The other white cable has an earth and live (the neutral has been cut and was not perviously connected) . There is alo a another live that is coming in from the hall.


This is the switch I want to fit...


Thanks in advance,

 

[SirKit Breaker]

You will probably need some test kit to identify the live feed into the switch, and then which switch cables go where. Your black is probably a strapper for a 2way circuit and will have come out of one of the empty switch plate tubes. The combinations of wiring to get it right by trial and error are a lot.

I appreciate you asking how to wire it all up, but without the right kit and ability you are clutching at straws. If you have the test kit then it could be a 5 minute job, but allow an hour, and get a local sparky in to sort it out for you. Should only be £25 to £40 depending on where you live.

Cheers.........Howard

 

[High Tower]

Im with Sirkit, for the sake of a lot less than £50 its hardly worth giving yourself a belt or burning your house down. its a easy job with a voltage indicator if you know what your doing with it.

 

[Debian]

OK, thanks guys,

I'd like to put the old switch back, at least until I get an electrician out.

So looking at the first photo - would the black wire have been connected to the original switch or not?

 

[SPARTYKUS]

Debian

I'll cut to the chase.

Phone an electrician and pay the money!

( regarding the black wire, who knows, except a professional with calibrated and reliable equipment, that knows what to do with it)

You cannot say from the pictures you have posted! Ever! They could be connected to ANYTHING

 

[njbromilow]

where are you from debian? im sure someone would offer to help

ps Obviously, Sir, your definition of a empty room is not the same as mine! thats spot on lol

 

[Geordie Spark]

I do hope you're going to replace the missing grommets from the metal back box.

 

[Inteificio]

I would also put an earth link on to the back box, but that is just me.


I will give you a hint, two Vs.

 

[Blowcat]

If you had marked the cables before removing it, it would have been a 5 minute job.

 

[Rockingit]

Debian - whilst I echo the sentiments above (strongly suggest you get the job finished professionally), if it's any consolation you are not alone! One of THE most common domestic call-outs is where people fit (or try to) their own light fittings at home and then get confused with the number of wires that can be involved - typically three cables of twin and earth at the ceiling and one or two at the switch per circuit but this can vary. Experienced electricians know exactly what to look for, and what to expect to find - so that's how we make it a five minute job!

Hope you get it sorted.