New 20A DP Lightswitch

[xfiles999]

Hi there,

In my small utility closet I replaced a white 20A (DP i believe) light switch for a black nickel coloured 20A DP light switch merely for the look of it to match the rest of my switches. I noticed on the old switch the LED light would only come on when the light was turned on. With the new switch the LED light is constantly on even if I have turned off the light that it controls.
Did I wire it incorrectly? I'm attaching a pic of the white switch before I disconnected it and a pic of the black nickel switch after i wired it in.

Separately that utility room has an extractor fan inside it. My bathroom light switch is also 20A DP but when I turn the bathroom light on the extractor fan comes on (as it should) and when I turn the bathroom light off the extractor fan switches off. The utility closet also has an extractor fan and i'm guessing this is why there was a 20A DP switch there but the extractor fan doesn't come on when the light is switched on. Am I right to say that the 20A DP switch is there to turn the light on and also something else...i.e. In this case the extractor fan? I was told by someone that the original 20A DP light switch never turned the extractor on in the utility cabinet, I just don't know then why they would install a 20A DP switch to turn a lightbulb on as opposed to using a regular switch. I remember the extractor fan coming on a few years ago I think I am just being fobbed off since I am still within the warranty period for my flat. By the way there is a washing machine in the utility closet hence why there is an extractor fan there which is always on the minimum setting and flicking the light switch is supposed to take it into Boost Mode like it does in the bathroom and kitchen just doesn't want to go into boost mode in the utility closet when I turn the light on.

Amy help would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks in advance.

 

[Leesparkykent]

I've got an uncle like it, goes buys a new light fitting puts it up and doesn't work or bangs the mcb out so he rings me up and says can you come have a look. I go have a look, sort it for him and tell him next time you want to put a new light fitting up,bell me up and I'll come do it for you! Any way 6months later get a phone call I've put up a new light every time I turn the switch on it trips. This has happened about four times even though every time I tell him next time you want to put a new light fitting up, bell me up and I'll come do it for you. Some people are just completely stupid,tight or have to much pride to get a proper tradesman in.

 

[Guest125]

I have done it in the past to give a neon indicator at a lightswitch.

If some dodgy customer wants those nice to install Ikea lights (you know the ones with no space for 3 T&E cables) then we have used DP switches in the past and taken the feeds to the switches.

 

[Silly Sausage]

I've got an uncle like it, goes buys a new light fitting puts it up and doesn't work or bangs the mcb out so he rings me up and says can you come have a look. I go have a look, sort it for him and tell him next time you want to put a new light fitting up,bell me up and I'll come do it for you! Any way 6months later get a phone call I've put up a new light every time I turn the switch on it trips. This has happened about four times even though every time I tell him next time you want to put a new light fitting up, bell me up and I'll come do it for you. Some people are just completely stupid,tight or have to much pride to get a proper tradesman in.

He's probably hoping you stop turning up!

 

[Guest125]

He's probably hoping you stop turning up!

Yeah haha. Every time this geezer turns up I need to change the light in the next room. Bloke is a jinx!! Haha

 

[xfiles999]

Exactly, the amount of people who fancy a dabble with electrics then balls it up and want help for FREE.

I tell people nothing of interest from now on, not when I'm laying out a fortune on everything I need to keep myself in work.

Sorry if I offended anyone. I merely did a like for like replacement. I.e. replacing 20A DP for 20A DP. The CPC on the new switch is black and is connected but as the back of the faceplate is also blacm it is almost camouflaged. I have also replaced 1 other 20A DP switch for the bathroom which was wired up the same way but doesn't have the problem with the LED. A 20A switch has probably been used, as someone cleverly pointed out, because the switch is on the outside and it helps to indicate if the light has been left on.

I don't know why a few people have left unhelpful comments... I came here for help :-(

 

[Guest125]

Sorry if I offended anyone. I merely did a like for like replacement. I.e. replacing 20A DP for 20A DP. The CPC on the new switch is black and is connected but as the back of the faceplate is also blacm it is almost camouflaged. I have also replaced 1 other 20A DP switch for the bathroom which was wired up the same way but doesn't have the problem with the LED. A 20A switch has probably been used, as someone cleverly pointed out, because the switch is on the outside and it helps to indicate if the light has been left on.

I don't know why a few people have left unhelpful comments... I came here for help :-(

No offence taken mate. We are just concerned for your safety and those around you. It may seem simple my friend but mistakes can happen and can kill.

Drama queen you might say - last year a geezer got killed by a cricket ball.... I bet he did not think that would happen to him.

Stay safe mate. Get someone trained in. Might just save your life.

 

[xfiles999]

Where has the cpc gone?

Hi thanks for the reply. It is there, it's just that it's black just like the faceplate so it's a bit hard to see it.

Thanks

 

[xfiles999]

Gets on my ----, I bet he would of paid a plumber to install a new gas appliance though. Gas= death, electric=death get some one qualified to do the job.

I don't have gas I live in a flat. It's all electric. I do use ethanol fuel to heat up my lounge though in an ethanol burner set within a black steel chiminea. It's cosy. Oh oh I did my own plumbing when I changed the kitchen tap. I also tiled up the kitchen wall. Did my own interior decorating too. Cha!.

 

[Silly Sausage]

I don't have gas I live in a flat. It's all electric. I do use ethanol fuel to heat up my lounge though in an ethanol burner set within a black steel chiminea. It's cosy. Oh oh I did my own plumbing when I changed the kitchen tap. I also tiled up the kitchen wall. Did my own interior decorating too. Cha!.

What an appalling waste, drink it!

 

[PEG]

...I like that animal skin rug...i think i saw Oliver Reed boogering some fella,on one similar...:icon12:

 

[jase]

No. The cpc doesn't come with the new switch and won't be black. And there are definitely no cables whatsoever in the cpc terminals on your pic.

 

[Leesparkykent]

I don't have gas I live in a flat. It's all electric. I do use ethanol fuel to heat up my lounge though in an ethanol burner set within a black steel chiminea. It's cosy. Oh oh I did my own plumbing when I changed the kitchen tap. I also tiled up the kitchen wall. Did my own interior decorating too. Cha!. View attachment 27623

looks like you done a good job, nice gaff. But then taps or tiles won't kill you like electric will lol. On a serious note though mate it is best to get a sparky in.

 

[Silly Sausage]

...I like that animal skin rug...i think i saw Oliver Reed boogering some fella,on one similar...:icon12:

With Master Bates!

 

[mache]

Hi thanks for the reply. It is there, it's just that it's black just like the faceplate so it's a bit hard to see it.

Thanks

You are not understanding the meaning of CPC. In layman's terms it is the earth connection and you don't have one connected to the metal face plate. Just copying the layout of connections from one manufactures switch to another is dangerous, you need to understand terminology. If you did that your error is black and white

 

[xfiles999]

looks like you done a good job, nice gaff. But then taps or tiles won't kill you like electric will lol. On a serious note though mate it is best to get a sparky in.

Yep will do. Gonna put the old switch back on and get in a professional. Lol.