Fitting a 2 switch light fitting...problems Ask questions and find answers to many subjects relating to electrics and electrical work

[awilkinson78]

Im replacing a light fitting in the lounge which has 2 switches. I stupidly didnt make a note of how it was previously wired! It has been lit at one point but permenantly.

I have an earth, 2 reds, a black, a blue & a yellow. The fitting has a an earth & 2 unidentified silver wires.

Any suggestions will be greatly received.
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[ericmark]

1) Red wires (Brown in newer properties) rarely go to the light it's self. Some times twin red (brown) cores are used for switch but this is rare.
2) Following from above normally one of the blacks is a line wire not neutral and you must be careful not to get these mixed up.

This site does not allow pictures in forum but if you check the projects pages .... They come with pictures !! and there are diagrams to be found.

[sparx]

hi, look at the other end switch and note the colour of the core in the Com. terminal (prob Yellow).
put same colour in Com. of your new switch.
in L1 put 1 wire from each cable.
put remaining 2 wires in L2.
EG if yell. in Com 2xreds in L1
blue& black in L2.
As Ericmark says ALL wires should have red sleeving to show they are switch lines not neutrals.
all bare earths should be sleeved with green/yellow to show earths, which shouls be joined together.