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Light Switch Help and Explanation of Number of Wires!

Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2019 2:00 am
by Uknowme
Hi,

I am changing my single 2 switch light switch with a 2 dial light switch. My kitchen has a single 2 switch light switch which is connected to two light bars.

The original switch is here: https://ibb.co/PxsKfw0

The new dimmable LED switch is here: https://ibb.co/m9DRPs3

Can someone explain to me why there are three red wires in the original switch picture, when there are only 2 lights in the kitchen? And why is there the cross over wire also? And if the new dimmable LED switch is the right replacement for the original switch.

Many thanks,
Alex

Re: Light Switch Help and Explanation of Number of Wires!

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2019 4:25 pm
by ericmark
Red with link to C and C reds no link to L1 and L1 sorry problem with forum so delay answering.

Re: Light Switch Help and Explanation of Number of Wires!

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2019 10:16 pm
by Mr White
(As ericmark said, there have been forum problems)
The reason you have 3 red wires at your switch is because one, is the live supply (It is the one that links to the other switch in order to give a "2nd supply") The other two reds are the ones that go to each light. They are known as switch wires, because when you operate the switch, they become live.

As for will your new switch work with your existing lights, that depends on the actual lamps, can they be dimmed, and do they meet the requirements of the dimmer?

As for connections, ericmark has already answered that one.

Re: Light Switch Help and Explanation of Number of Wires!

Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2019 12:29 am
by ericmark
As Mr White says that switch is designed to work from 10W to 250W so if your bulb is under 10W it will not work.

If not dim-able EU rules say it must say so on the packet. But problem is we rarely keep the packet.