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Light switch query

  • 23-02-2020 2:10pm
    #1
    manatoo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 406 ✭✭


    Hi

    I have a question about light switches. Before saying this shouldn't be posted here please note changing light switches is not a certifiable electrician task so it's a valid DIY question!

    I changed a light switch today. The system is an old black/red/bare colour code arrangement. I copied the way the old switch had been wired (pic below) with the wire to the light switch connected to L1 and the remaining bare wire and the red wire connected together into the COM port. The light now works fine on the new switch but a second light in the room which has its own switch will now only work if the first light is switched on.

    I know this is a series thing but since I replaced the wires like for like I can't figure out what could be the problem.

    The new switch is a standard two way single gang switch. With L1, L2 (empty) and COM ports.

    The red wire is the earth but if haven't separately grounded it since both the switch and the back mount are plastic. This is also how it was done with the old switch.


    Thanks for your help!


Comments

  • #2
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 7,499 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Post pics.
    You are switching the loop feed .
    Your loop feed should be in the common.
    So two wires in the common (in and out).
    And one wire in L1 (switch wire to lamp).


  • #3
    mickdw
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,730 ✭✭✭✭mickdw


    It appears You have connected the supply to the second light on the switched side of the switch instead of being in the port with the constant live.


  • #4
    manatoo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 406 ✭✭manatoo


    Thanks both! Indeed I had switched the supply to the switch side rather than the constant live. Fixed and working fine now!

    Not sure if you're electricians but if you are am I right in thinking a registered electrician isn't allowed make changes to a system like this and I'm looking at a complete rewiring job?


  • #5
    JBinWaterford
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24 ✭JBinWaterford


    BrownFinger wrote: »
    Post pics.
    You are switching the loop feed .
    Your loop feed should be in the common.
    So two wires in the common (in and out).
    And one wire in L1 (switch wire to lamp).

    This can be the other way around too right ? (Ie. two loop wires into L1 and the switch to lamp, into COM)
    If so, you’ve answered a question where an hour of Youtube failed ! (Thanks)


  • #6
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 7,499 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    JBinWaterford wrote: »
    This can be the other way around too right ? (Ie. two loop wires into L1 and the switch to lamp, into COM)
    If so, you’ve answered a question where an hour of Youtube failed ! (Thanks)

    Yep.
    Won't make a difference.


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