Wiring a 2 Gang Switch with Different Set-Up Ask questions and find answers to many subjects relating to electrics and electrical work

[Humph]

Hello, I'm new to this forum and hope someone can help me.

I've seen various answers to this question but none seem to quite fit my situation. I'm replacing light switches / plug sockets as the old ones are tarnished & chipped brass ones from the late 80s. All well and good until I came to a 2 gang switch where one serves wall lights (one way) and the other switch is 2 way for the ceiling light. I took notes of the wiring, and unwired the old one. Took the new one out of the box and found it was completed different.

At this point, I would have rewired the old one and called in an electrician but the ceramic interior of the old one fell apart and the connectors dropped out while unwiring as it was so old & brittle.

I put the wires into a choc block for now and called 3 electricians but none wanted to come out (2 of them had packed in for Xmas, one said it was too small a job) so currently I have no lights in the room.

I've drawn a picture (took me ages). Hopefully someone can help me wire the new one using my diagram.

[Mr White]

Most people take a picture.
What's your problem? The drawing has the same terminals as your new switch. 😀

[Humph]

Most people take a picture.
What's your problem? The drawing has the same terminals as your new switch. 😀

Thanks for replying Mr White - regarding the lack of photo - I've been making quick notes on a bit of paper. All worked well up to now. I'll take pictures in future (smilie face).

Yes, as Eric Morecambe might say "All the right terminals but not necessarily in the right order".

What I didn't indicate on my lovely photoshop creation is that I've put a piece of blue tape around one set of red pairs. (The ones bottom left with the red link).

As the arrangement of the terminals is different, would you be able to give me a wiring guide?

Many thanks.

[Mr White]

Each switch has the terminals as two triangles.
The old switch one triangle is upside down to the other
The new switch has two triangles side by side.
The terminals are the same "names" in both switches, you already have a drawing.

[Humph]

Each switch has the terminals as two triangles.
The old switch one triangle is upside down to the other
The new switch has two triangles side by side.
The terminals are the same "names" in both switches, you already have a drawing.

Worked perfectly, Mr White.

I used the triangles exactly as you described and both switches worked as they should first time.

Thanks for taking the time to answer and have a great Christmas.

[Mr White]

😀