How do you wire double bakelite switches with three wire connector screws

[Big Clove]

So yes I have three bakelite double switches 1 of a different brand but both types have only three connectors for wires. Is it simply one main live in (and which would that be?) and two live outs for each of the switches. And I guess the neutrals come off the lights and can be joined together before returning to the mains box.

 

[PEG]

Hi,it might be handy to describe the function you require,from these switches,and what they are replacing.

 

[James]

At a guess, live in is probably the center
Live out from each sw is probably the outside ones, one for each switch.

You will need a continuity meter to check this out.
Some old switches had mechanical parts inside that you could move or change to change the function from normally open to normally closed. Not sure if this habit, crossed over to domestic type switches but certainly some industrial switches of that age could be changed in that manner.

 

[Wilko]

Hi - please make sure the power is off before you start on changing a switch. The permanent L goes to the centre terminal and the outside switched L return to their lights, if I’ve understood correctly.

 

[Big Clove]

Hi,it might be handy to describe the function you require,from these switches,and what they are replacing.

I just want two separate bulbs to go on and off
[automerge]1595080008[/automerge]

At a guess, live in is probably the center
Live out from each sw is probably the outside ones, one for each switch.

You will need a continuity meter to check this out.
Some old switches had mechanical parts inside that you could move or change to change the function from normally open to normally closed. Not sure if this habit, crossed over to domestic type switches but certainly some industrial switches of that age could be changed in that manner.

They are certainly mechanical switches, I have a cheap multimeter. The only thought I had was to find a decent battery and motorbike bulbs to test them safely. You could be right about being in the middle but looking at the mechanics I thought it could be on the left the live in. It's crazy they never labeled the connectors ?

 

[telectrix]

use multimeter on ohms (power of). 1 lead on centre terminal.each switch should then respectively, give continuity centre to left oand bentre to right depending on which switch is operated. then it's Lin centre, with each L and R termials 1 for each light. any neutrals at the switch need to be connected together but not to the switch itself.

a photo of the wires coming out of the wall would help.

 

[Big Clove]

use multimeter on ohms (power of). 1 lead on centre terminal.each switch should then respectively, give continuity centre to left oand bentre to right depending on which switch is operated. then it's Lin centre, with each L and R termials 1 for each light. any neutrals at the switch need to be connected together but not to the switch itself.

a photo of the wires coming out of the wall would help.

Thanks for the information ?
[automerge]1595336679[/automerge]

Hi - please make sure the power is off before you start on changing a switch. The permanent L goes to the centre terminal and the outside switched L return to their lights, if I’ve understood correctly.

Yeah I don't like electric shocks much, 240V here the same as the UK so I'm not keen on that.

 

[Big Clove]

Thanks everyone, I got all three switches working and you were correct. Sadly I lost my phone so was unable to reply earlier. Thanks again

 

[davidanthony41]

So yes I have three bakelite double switches 1 of a different brand but both types have only three connectors for wires. Is it simply one main live in (and which would that be?) and two live outs for each of the switches. And I guess the neutrals come off the lights and can be joined together before returning to the mains box.

My guess center 1 live outer 2switches