Two way lighting circuit gone wrong

[Tony Good]

I'm hoping to get a bit of expert advice on a problem I have with a friend's wiring. Initially I was asked to take a look at a three-bulb light fitting that was regularly blowing bulbs. I took the fitting down from the ceiling to check for loose wires and found that several came out from the connectors on gentle manipulation.

I re-prepared the free wire ends (they looked a bit damaged) and inserted them back to where it looked like they came from, disconnected the fitting and checked and cleaned the bulb sockets, looked like some arcing was going on arond the bulb thread.

What's most bizarre on reconnection of the fitting though is when the light is OFF the bulbs glow dimly and when it's switched ON they glow normally. It's part of a two ceiling fitting and two way switch circuit with ordinary 40w filament bulbs.

Looking at the back of the wall switch it looks like the two circuits are crossed between the switches - I just can't understand why it was wired like this and wondered if it sounds like a familiar, albeit odd, setup to anybody?

Would welcome any sensible input _thanks all.

 

[Tony Good]

Hi thanks for reply, I've attached two photos of each fittings wiring (one untouched original) there are two rocker switches in the room.

 

[westward10]

If you understand Series and Parallel, you've created series where it was Parallel.

Was thinking exactly the same.

 

[Tony Good]

The first picture is the non working fitting and the wire with the blue tape is the one going to the switch, I isolated it and circuit tested each wire so I'm sure that's correct. Seems to be the other wires that have caused the problem but if I try to wire it any other way the breaker for the downstairs lights trips out.

 

[Tony Good]

The first picture is the non working fitting and the wire with the blue tape is the one going to the switch, I isolated it and circuit tested each wire so I'm sure that's correct. Seems to be the other wires that have caused the problem but if I try to wire it any other way the breaker for the downstairs lights trips out.

 

[The Ghost]

Just a thought but looks like your neutral in the first picture is not properly connected thus you will have a live neutral. Try connecting them properly into the terminal block with no copper showing and see what happens. A picture of inside the light switch would also help. When you say two way light switching do you mean one switch controls one light and the other switch the other light or two way light switching meaning there is another switch at another location which also switches the both lights on at either position? That "cross" at the light switch you mention might just be a linked live to supply the other light via the other switch.

 

[Nickj]

Shouldn't be able to see the copper on those neutrals. That's normal wiring for loop in/out light circuit. Did you also alter the wiring at the switches?

 

[sparksburnout]

And we wonder where DS has gone.......

 

[The Ghost]

Frying tonight?

 

[Tony Good]

Vortigern, I know what you are saying about the copper showing but the two neutrals are connected in the block. Will tidy those up. Can't show you the back of the switch as I'm back home now but can do tomorrow (if the house doesn't burn down). By two way I mean one switch controls one light and the other switch the other light but, to my mind anyway, the two switches should not have their wiring crossed at all. A big worry is that my friend says he changed the switch from dimmer to rocker swich to try to solve the blowing light problem. He may have wired it wrongly I guess.

 

[sparksburnout]

(if the house doesn't burn down).

Why don't you just stop *****g about and get someone in who knows what they are doing FFS? Anyone near Swindon?? Go and put this guy out of his misery for gods sake.

 

[Tony Good]

Sorry I was being flippant, might be time to call a spark tomorrow but for now the downstairs lighting circuit is off. Thanks for your help anyway.

 

[ruston]

Have to agree , ten minute job.
We cannot tell you how to do that safely, even if you had the gear.

 

[sparksburnout]

might

Careful don't do anything dramatic..... And can I just ask, this guys a MEMBER??? Why is he a member?

 

[Leesparkykent]

Hi Tony I think the best advice has been given with regards to getting an electrician in

Guys can we keep things calm and civil please.

 

[Dave OCD]

x2 on that Lee.