Wiring A Light Switch

[jennyjoan]

I bought a new silver light switch for the living room and put it on myself. I followed avidly where the wires came out of old one and got them correctly into the new.

Being confident of doing the same thing in my hallway which has a 3 switch - one for the hall, one for the landing and one for outside lamp.

There were just a load of RED wires coming out everywhere onto the switch and unfortunately no matter how hard I tried to remember or replicate them and actually drawing of them.

They are mixed up. I have now got 2 hall switches and one landing switch. No outside lamp which doesn't be used up much anyway.

Would anybody tell me the proper way of wiring them if I was to try again. thanks

The green EARTH is back in the wall but I remember when wiring a plug one had 3 different colours - this is what got me confused as they were all RED.

[Tuvok]

You have multiple reds are you are wiring 3 different lights.

If you have other switches that control the lights then you will have wires going to them as well.

I assume that you are doing the wiring with the mains off!

[Bertrum]

Electrical safety comes first if you are unsure how to wire in a new light switch it would not be safe to try and guide you remotely for your own sake call an electrician

[Mamyalynne]

When you've done yours JJ come and sort mine out - just had 2 qualified electricians in and they have left me with a situation where I turn on the loo light and the bathroom light comes on too.


Yes, he is coming back lol.

[Old_Geezer]

Bit too complex yo describe over the Net, especially without a clear sight of what you have.

If you have multiple switches controlling the same light(s) then sometimes the black wire is covered with red sleeving to indicate that it becomes live when the switch is turned on. This might account for more red wires than you expected.

My advice is to call an electrician. They will know how to check where everything is going.

[Old_Geezer]

... TO describe ...
>:-(

[jennyjoan]

Tuvok - I done my wiring with the mains on hence my sitting here at the computer with a black face and my beautiful blonde hair standing on end. LOL

This is what I put on - hope the link works


AET CPC3GSWIWC 10 A 3-Gang 2-Way Polished Chrome Classical Triple Light Switch with White Insert Metal Rocker Switch

[jennyjoan]

qualified electrician has mixed your wires.

Now I will come but I am about £100 an hour - could you afford that wee pet. Need that kinda money to stop blowing my own wee house up.

I am happy with what I have done - hall light working, landing light working - outside lamp not working but don't need it much. Will give it another wee through the week as I am tired.

[jennyjoan]

^^^^^ go

[Mamyalynne]

Bargain JJ.

[jennyjoan]

oh do ya want me then Mamy - I'll be round to yours when I get a kip. LOL

[jennyjoan]

think the link will work now



AET CPC3GSWIWC 10 A 3-Gang 2-Way Polished Chrome Classical Triple Light Switch with White Insert Metal Rocker Switch

[jennyjoan]

It is a confirmation from Amazon re the tracking but I was trying to avoid putting my personal stuff on it so it won't work

[tonyav]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/AET-CPC3GSWIWC-3-Gang-Polished-Classical/dp/B00XAZB8U8

[jennyjoan]

the very one TonyAV - NOW do you know about wiring stuff up LOL

Anyway surprise surprise. I find I put the middle switch on which is the hall - all the other switches work too - outside lamp as well.

Well Me is a Genius LOL

[tonyav]

the very one TonyAV - NOW do you know about wiring stuff up LOL

Not if all the wires are the same colour ( Red ), jj.

[jennyjoan]

you're right - unbelievable that they are all red - I can see green (earth) screwed back into the wall - then all red. Anyway do me for now.

[Tuvok]

Sounds like your wiring is definately wrong!

How many wires do you have?

[Ryzen]

Jenny..when you say earth is screwed back into the wall..what do you mean? The earth is the most important wire and should be connected to the earth terminal on the switch plate.What wires do you have ..give original colours and sleeved colours and I may be able to give a remote solution :-)

[The Builder]

Jenny, I'm with Ryzen on this one. That switch is a metal one. I guess the one you took off is plastic?

A metal switch MUST be earthed to be safe (in the event of a fault.)

3-gang switch with (possibly) some 2-way switching. Easy enough for an electrician to identify each wire. You have it "sort of " working, I know, but it needs to be right.

I'm afraid it would be far too complicated to identify the wires without being there. You really must get someone in, if only to earth the switch for you.

AB doesn't like losing its posters............. and nor do we ;o(

[Mamyalynne]

I agree with all who are advising JJ to get someone in , which is why I'm waiting for my issue to be resolved by the 'bleep' who messed it up.