Hello, new DIY warrior here

[ilsa]

Hi, I'm new here and might once in a while need some advice. Or a gentle reminder of my DIY limitations.
In fact, I need HELP now... It's never too soon, it easily could be too late.

ilsa

 

[Andy5678]

Welcome!

 

[Andy5678]

Welcome!

 

[Pete999]

Welcome, what do you need help with?

 

[ilsa]

Hello Pete, I have a switch wiring question regarding two-way wiring. I admit, I messed something up that was working fine previously and can't connect it back. There, I said it. I'm not usually that dim but that's where I'm at now.
Feel free to guide me towards best forum section for this! Thank you!

 

[Sintra]

Hi Ilsa and welcome to the forum. I've given you a nice little tag below your name so that the members know your status.

 

[Pete999]

Hello Pete, I have a switch wiring question regarding two-way wiring. I admit, I messed something up that was working fine previously and can't connect it back. There, I said it. I'm not usually that dim but that's where I'm at now.
Feel free to guide me towards best forum section for this! Thank you!

Hi Ilsa, you are in the right forum, if not the right area the DIY area is best for you. There are many ways of wiring two way switching, so without knowing how your two way is wired, it's difficult to help, your best bet would be to contact an Electrician to help you out, it's could be very dangerous giving advice on this as you are not an Electrician. Maybe one of the Lads on the Forum who operates in your area could help, possible FOC in any case if you are charged it wouldn't cost you much, it's a simple fix for someone in the know, good luck anyway

 

[telectrix]

maybe post up a pic.of the set up ( in back of switches ) so we could see what's what.

 

[Pete999]

maybe post up a pic.of the set up ( in back of switches ) so we could see what's what.

Good idea should have thought of that

 

[telectrix]

it's oK pete. we make allowances for senile dementia.

 

[Pete999]

it's oK pete. we make allowances for senile dementia.

Well thanks for that vote of confidence, no signs just yet, crikey what were we talking about anyway?

 

[ilsa]

Thank you guys, I will try and take a pic tomorrow, see if that helps.
I have tried to look at drawings, diagrams and descriptions of such switches and they all seem very straight forward, but mine.. It's probably usually the case

 

[telectrix]

summat about switches i think, up for on or up for off. whatever.

 

[ilsa]

I know Telectrix, I have problems too

 

[ilsa]

Anyways, here's an electricians Sudoku:

I have a two way switch for my hallway. One upstairs, one downstairs. The light is upstairs. Back box upstairs has three core coming in from above ( brown, black, grey, earth). All browns are together in choc block terminal, all greys are together in choc block, so I have only ONE BLACK wire ( brown sleeve ) left to use from that three core. I'm puzzled cause all diagrams show two wires to be used and connected to switch.
There is three core between switches with one black( brown sleeve) and one grey ( brown sleeve ) left to be used. The brown is in choc block.
Three wires, but I can't figure it out!