I had an extension fitted and a single circuit added for the light. However, the light will only operate from the MCB and not the switch. As soon as I introduce the switch into the circuit and operate it from there it trips the MCB and will not stay on. Any thoughts on what might be causing this?
- Thread starter Stuart Lane
- Start date
If I leave the switch in the 'On' position and operate from MCB it comes on. As soon as I then switch off the circuit it will not remake.
Two way switch shorting line to neutral??
Sounds like someone may have dropped a three core down, one core being the neutral but they have connected it to a two way switch, maybe?
Did you install the new wiring, light and switch?
It was done by an electrician. I thought it might be the switch and then the light fitting / chandelier. I have tried different light fittings and problem remains. Wiring to light contains 2 Live, 2 Neutral and 2 Earth wires but I guess this is normal.
Warranty - No but I can live with the problem as there are other lights close enough.
2 Way switching shorting line to neutral - explain!
Warranty - No but I can live with the problem as there are other lights close enough.
2 Way switching shorting line to neutral - explain!
Can you safely remove the switch and show a pic of the connections.
A two way switch will have three terminals, a common, L1 and L2. The common will switch across to either L1 or L2 depending on its position. It is possible a neutral has ended up in L1 or L2 causing a short when you switch it.
So have you fitted a new light?
Did you just join all the browns, blues and green/yellow together?
O
Octopus
Get said spark back
What does their cert say
What does their cert say
the warranty is in the same place as the certificate and vat invoice....
Light Switch has 3 terminals - L1, L2 and Common - I joined Blue to Common and Brown to L1/L2.
Light Fitting - I joined the single blue to twin blues and single brown to twin browns.
Light Fitting - I joined the single blue to twin blues and single brown to twin browns.
Thought so
O
Octopus
So no attempt to answer the questions about the installation, testing, certificate.....
DIY alert
Call in a spark to sort out your DIY cock up.
No certificate as I remember but he was a competent builder and everything else is fine. As for DIY cock up, how so and on whose part? I have done nothing wrong! Does the wiring need to be altered needs or just the light connections made differently?
O
Octopus
Impossible to diagnose on the internet.
Apologies if this isn't what you want to hear.
This is probably a straight forward incorrect connection of the neutral. Employ the services of an electrician for a couple of hours or consult the individual who installed it.
a competent builder he may be but a competent electrician is a different kettle of squid. sound to me like a classic case of mistaking a switch live ( which is generally a blue insulated conductor( should be sleeved brown)) for a neutral. it's a 20 minute job to identify such and rectify.
This is what is known as a DIY cock up. You have created a short circuit.
Please get an electrician in to test the circuit and repair as required as the short circuit may have caused some unseen damage
I would definitely replace the switch.
and the builder. why is a builder working on electrics? we don't build walls or lay concrete, each should stick to what he knows.
Look at post #16 mate, all becomes clear...
To be fair to the builder I think he did use an electrician to run the wiring so apologies for giving a bad impression of him. Looks like I need to identify which is the live conductor missing the brown sheath then? I'll get my multi-meter on it! What damage might have been done to the wiring? The switch is probably damaged because I've shorted it so many times now.
Insulation damage, arcing on loose connections in ceiling roses and switches etc. MCB could also be damaged but this will be difficult to diagnose.
Bearing in mind that it will be the full circuit that will need inspecting and testing.
I would recommend getting an electrician in to thoroughly test the circuit with the correct test meter.
Bearing in mind that it will be the full circuit that will need inspecting and testing.
I would recommend getting an electrician in to thoroughly test the circuit with the correct test meter.
Put your multimeter away and phone a spark.
You aren’t competent enough to be dealing with stuff like this. No offence mate
No problem. The help is appreciated. I'm just becoming aware of the hazards of playing around with multi-meters. I'll have to seek professional help. Still learning the basics!
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