Link between L1 on different one way light switches | on ElectriciansForums

Discuss Link between L1 on different one way light switches in the Commercial Electrical Advice area at ElectriciansForums.net

Joined
Jan 11, 2012
Messages
43
Reaction score
2
Took a 2 gang switch off a wall in a shop to investigate after workers had complained of crackling sounds and more recently tripping of the circuit.

It appeared that there was a loose termination at the L1 terminal on the back of one of the switches.

The unusual thing I discovered though was the wiring, with brown used for the L1 switch lines to the field and blue used into the common terminals on each 1 way switch on the 2 gang plate as well as a link between each L1 terminal!

1 switch controls 1 bank of around half a dozen or so LED down lights while the other switch on the same plate controls a section of LED uplights.

Both common feeds (in blue :-/) to the back of the switch are isolated by the same MCB.

The brown link between each L1 terminal when removed makes the lights not work!

It would seem I've opened up a can of worms here, but the shop has been open for around 3 years and the wiring has been like this the whole time!

I'm concerned that since I've found this and it's not right that I should report it and suggest a course of action for the shop manager.
 
Is it not just two twin and earth switch wires that have not be sleeved for identification - have you discovered a junction box or a 3 plate up in the ceiling somewhere. The link reason i can't think except it may be obvious when you get to that junction. Further investigation!
 
The unusual thing I discovered though was the wiring, with brown used for the L1 switch lines to the field and blue used into the common terminals on each 1 way switch on the 2 gang plate as well as a link between each L1 terminal!

1 switch controls 1 bank of around half a dozen or so LED down lights while the other switch on the same plate controls a section of LED uplights.

If your feeds were in on the Blues as you state then the lights could not switch independently
 
Sounds like someone has wired each set of lights as loop in wiring in twin and earth and when they got to the switch they realised they had two feeds coming in from the same circuit and linked them together, perhaps disconnecting one of the feeds at the loop in point.
Then with the link removed and the terminals re tightened then one set of lights would not work.
 
I have seen similar arrangements In diverse places. If it worked before everything is ok with what is there. I have found that such an arrangement is like you link the live to the next switch for the feed to the other bank of lights. Fairly common. The colours and the fact the switch is "upside down" is just bad wiring practice. So now the other wire going from the link at L1, I would guess is a supply to an emergency light. Just a wild guess, as I have seen it quite a few times before it is not impossible. Of course pics always help.
 
I hate lighting circuits when you have to unpick what's happening.
Had on the other day with an unused live in a ceiling rose. Turns out the live had been linked across in a 2 gang switch so wasn't needed in the feed to the light but the neutral was.
 

Reply to Link between L1 on different one way light switches in the Commercial Electrical Advice area at ElectriciansForums.net

News and Offers from Sponsors

  • Sticky
  • Article
Wicked I've just actually looked through it and it's very smart. Some good stuff in it. There's a tile association company that do a magazine...
Replies
2
Views
370
  • Article
OFFICIAL SPONSORS These Official Forum Sponsors May Provide Discounts to Regular Forum Members - If you would like to sponsor us then...
Replies
0
Views
335
  • Article
Hi everyone, Another weekend, another sale! Get ready for colder days with Haverland Radiators, combining efficiency with modern design. Keep...
Replies
0
Views
372

Similar threads

Furthermore, as the left hand switch will currently not do anything, I'd try the loose brown in here:
Replies
4
Views
403
Thank you! I didn't realise the wiring was QUITE that old… I'll replace it carefully.
Replies
2
Views
324

OFFICIAL SPONSORS

Electrical Goods - Electrical Tools - Brand Names Electrician Courses Green Electrical Goods PCB Way Electrical Goods - Electrical Tools - Brand Names Pushfit Wire Connectors Electric Underfloor Heating Electrician Courses
These Official Forum Sponsors May Provide Discounts to Regular Forum Members - If you would like to sponsor us then CLICK HERE and post a thread with who you are, and we'll send you some stats etc

YOUR Unread Posts

This website was designed, optimised and is hosted by untold.media Operating under the name Untold Media since 2001.
Back
Top