Switches not working independently

Discussion in 'Electricians' Talk' started by kesme82, Dec 4, 2019.

  1. kesme82

    kesme82 New Member

    We had all our light switches changed and have had problems with three of them.

    We have one light in our hall and one on the landing.

    downstairs we have two double switches. One double controls the hall/landing light and cloakroom. The other double controls the hall/landing and outside light.

    upstairs we have one single that controls hall/landing.

    now the switches have been changed the lights will sometimes only turn on/off is another switch is on. Hoping someone can look at this wiring to help me fix it.
     
    terrymac likes this.
  2. kesme82

    kesme82 New Member

    Single switch upstairs
     

    Attached Files:

  3. kesme82

    kesme82 New Member

    Double switch for cloakroom/hall/landing
     

    Attached Files:

  4. kesme82

    kesme82 New Member

    Double switch for hall/landing/outside light.
     

    Attached Files:

  5. Hans_25

    Hans_25 Screwfix Select

    Not much to go on given they're mostly brown cables. Looks like there's a grey/brown/black which would provide double switching, each cable colour should be connected to the same terminal at each end e.g. greys to L1, blacks to L2, browns to Common or whatever

    Then live to L1 and switched live to L2
     
  6. Philip Hyde

    Philip Hyde Screwfix Select

    Wheres the BEFORE pictures to compare to
     
  7. You need to get whoever fitted them back to sort it out.
    As well as leaving them not working properly, the have left copper showing/hanging out of the connections. That is very rough and bad workmanship.
    They have also left one of the earth wires disconnected, which is dangerous and leaving the earth in the circuit without continuity.
     
  8. Comlec

    Comlec Screwfix Select

    To fix this you must be familiar with two methods of lighting wiring
    1. the loop at switch method of wiring lighting
    2. two way switching for a light

    Once you have an understanding of these it might be possible to help sort it out.

    Still the best option is getting the installer back to sort it out.
     
  9. Did you happen to notice the wrong/incorrect information in that link.

    Three core cable - old and new

    Red = Brown
    Blue = Black
    Yellow = Grey

    The above cut and paste from the link is wrong it should be.

    Red = Brown which is also L1 in 3 phase
    Yellow = Black which is also L2 in 3 phase
    Blue = Grey which is also L3 in 3 phase

    I can only hope not many people have taken that wrong advice.
     
  10. Comlec

    Comlec Screwfix Select

    SO @Deleted member 11267, are you saying that the information in the link would not work?

    All cores in the diagram are sleeved brown so L1.
     
    Philip Hyde likes this.
  11. Comlec

    Comlec Screwfix Select

    Maybe you could help and spend some time drawing and publishing the 'correct way' to do this.
     
  12. No, what I am saying is the the old colours to new colours information is wrong

    Three core cable - old and new
    Red = Brown
    Blue = Black
    Yellow = Grey

    The above copied from the site is wrong, I have given the correct way in post 9.
     
  13. Comlec

    Comlec Screwfix Select

    OK that mapping is wrong but is of no relevance to a strapper cable in a single phase installation. Any core colour can be used providing correctly sleeved at both ends.

    I could have just posted the diagram but for completeness I posted the link.

    Maybe you could post a better link!

    And take up the error with the publishers of the web site.
     
  14. peter palmer

    peter palmer Screwfix Select

    Who fitted the switches? Stevie Wonder. That's what happens when you either do it yourself or pay someone from down the pub who says he can do electrical work for a few pints.
     

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