Replacing 2 way light switch

[Tilly Tyler]

Help. I am trying to replace a 2 way light switch on the landing. I did not take notes of what wire went where before I took the old one off, a silly mistake. I have 2 red and 1 black wire, cannot make it work, any advice on the wiring please

 

[loz2754]

A good clear photo of the wiring would help please.

 

[Tilly Tyler]

A good clear photo of the wiring would help please.

 

[littlespark]

you first picture shows a 2 gang metal switch.... ie, 2 switches on one plate.
the new one is a 2 way. Meaning 2 switches in 2 locations operating 1 light

 

[Tilly Tyler]

you first picture shows a 2 gang metal switch.... ie, 2 switches on one plate.
the new one is a 2 way. Meaning 2 switches in 2 locations operating 1 light

The 2 switches on 1 plate is the hall the other is the landing. I cannot get the wiring correct so that the landing light can be switched on and off by either switch

 

[loz2754]

If you have not changed the wiring in the hall switch, the landing switch should have black in common and the 2 reds in 1 and 2.

 

[Tilly Tyler]

If you have not changed the wiring in the hall switch, the landing switch should have black in common and the 2 reds in 1 and 2.

Thank you very much, unfortunately I also bought a new switch for the hall and didn't take note of those wires either

 

[loz2754]

Ok. Looks like you're going to need hands on help by someone with a tester. Sorry.

 

[Tilly Tyler]

Ok. Looks like you're going to need hands on help by someone with a tester. Sorry.

I have a tester, thank you any way

 

[loz2754]

For the 2 way to work, you have to find out which of the wires are connected as 2 strappers, that is, they're wired directly from the landing switch to the hall switch into terminals 1 and 2.
Then you need to know which wire at the hall switch is permanently live. If you can figure this out safely, ie with the power switched off, you'll be half way there.
Generally, the forum rules don't allow us to give step by step instructions from a distance to DIYers, as there are obviously safety implications. Hence the reason for suggesting getting someone in.

 

[Tilly Tyler]

For the 2 way to work, you have to find out which of the wires are connected as 2 strappers, that is, they're wired directly from the landing switch to the hall switch into terminals 1 and 2.
Then you need to know which wire at the hall switch is permanently live. If you can figure this out safely, ie with the power switched off, you'll be half way there.
Generally, the forum rules don't allow us to give step by step instructions from a distance to DIYers, as there are obviously safety implications. Hence the reason for suggesting getting someone in.

Thank you

 

[DPG]

Make sure you connect the earth wire to the earth terminal on the switch plate!!