Losing The Neutral In A 2 Way Switch Ask questions and find answers to many subjects relating to electrics and electrical work

[Oldalex01]

I have a double 2 way switch. One of the switches operates, together with an upstairs switch,the light on the landing.Works perfectly well. The other switch is installed as an off/on control for two wall lights in the downstairs entrance hallway. It used to work. I can not remember if more work has been done in the house in that area but I do know it does not operate correctly now. When I use L1 and the common as the terminals the lights stay on permanently, When I use L2 and the common the lights will not work at all. A bathroom fitter happened to be in my house one day and mentioned that he had served his time as an electrician and confidently said that I had lost the neutral. He did not have the time to expand on that and was gone. Was he right and if so what does he mean and how do I correct the problem. I would be grateful for any advice on this matter.
Regards Oldalex01

[proptech]

Hi Oldalex01
The fact that you can get the lights to work indicates there is no neutral fault. Without any more info on your wiring, I would suggest you have a faulty switch.

[Oldalex01]

Hi Oldalex01
The fact that you can get the lights to work indicates there is no neutral fault. Without any more info on your wiring, I would suggest you have a faulty switch.

Many thanks proptech.I will follow up your advice and replace the two gang switch. I did at one point swop the switches round with no change in the outcome. That is that the landing light worked perfectly well and the wall lights responded as before.

[Oldalex01]

Thanks "proptech" you were spot on. I bought a new switch and bingo all the troubles were solved. I must say It crossed my mind that the trouble was with the switch but i discounted the Idea because it is such a simple component and it was manufactured by a very reputable company.
Alls well that ends well though and thanks again.
Regards Oldalex01