Hi, One of my light switches is playing up so I attempted to change it myself and found this... Top switch is for the room photo taken in and bottom switch is for room next door. It looks a bit messy and the switches don't match any new ones for sale. So I'm not sure how to replace them. Any ideas? Is a two way switch needed for top? Also, is the bottom switch just a single one way switch? Any help is much appreciated. Thanks, Boxy
your house is calling for a rewire urgently they are both one way switches,you will find not only the switches playing up so are the cable just put one wire in common and the other wire in L1.just call in a electrician to do a full check does your house even have a working earth.
With this wiring, the top switch is acting as a terminal block ie no switching function; you could replace that with just a blanking plate ( https://www.screwfix.com/p/1-gang-blanking-plate-white/4104d )to cover gap, and reconnect the cables together in a terminal block or Wago connector. For other switch replace with a single gang light switch, and rewire as in pic.( https://www.screwfix.com/p/mk-1-gang-2-way-10ax-light-switch-white/11822 ) For wiring info see: https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Technical/DataSheets/MK/WiringDiagrams.pdf
Over due for periodic inspection,you'll then get a Electrical Condition Report (EICR). Black rubber cable was stopped from use in the 60's!
Hi thanks for your help. The top switch isn't blank as it turns on light in room. Bottom switch turns on other room. Thanks Adam
Hi all, I understand that the house needs an inspection and rewiring but I simply don't have the money for that. Although, I am currently saving for it and it is on the cards. I guess I just want to know if it's something I can replace myself for the time being? Thanks Adam
yes you can do it yourself the two that are in the same terminal goes in common and the other goes in L1 what area are you in.
If you look closely the topswitch has three wires connected. 2 together and 1 in the slot next to it. The two together are the line in and the red cable just brings the line to the bottom switch . Put the two together in the common of the new switch and the other rubber wire in the L1 Bottom one is Red into common. Rubber into L1
Thank you Damon, Another person on another forum has just said the exact same as you. That's a great help. Can I just use one way switches for both or does top have to be two way? Thanks again Boxy
Its unlikely that you have CPC ( earth conductor) on the lighting circuit , if so you should not fit metal switch plates ,only plastic .
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