DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

Just moved into my house.

In my hallway, I have two ceiling light fittings, operated by a two way circuit using 2x Triple Pole Double Throw wall switches.

Sometimes operating either wall switch does not turn any lights on. Sometimes they do. When they do, sometimes the lights flicker at about 2-5Hz. Sometimes the lights illuminate but the other wall switch has no effect.

I have replaced one wall switch with a new chrome fitting that was about £35 as it was a triple pole double throw (3 switch) unit - so is the other - and this didnt fix the issue.

What is the sequence of tests/replacements I should now do?

Thanks.

Without the correct test equipment all you can do is check all connections and make sure they are correct and are tight.

What is the correct equipment?
Im a competent DIYer and have installed electrical circuits and equipment, and paid a professional to review and sign off. No issues thus far in 30 years.
(Of late My grandson is fully qualified and provides advice on projects, but hes helped out loads already and im trying to help myself)

p.s.
if.you mean a multimeter then I've done that and issues like earthing and continuity are fine

so special tool needed

I was thinking more along the lines of an insulation resistance meter. But that will not tell you where the problem actually is. I would go back to my original reply and suggest you check all the connections. I would also suggest you change the switch (again) to a basic switch (cost much less) just to see what happens.

I have as an electrician had the same problem with my dinning room lights, I was not sure if the switch faulty, or ceiling rose, I have loop impedance, insulation testers, and many more meters, but in the end cure was pure eye sight, found the plaster under ceiling rose was holding the ceiling rose slide slightly off the ceiling so the spring loaded contacts were not making good contact, slide out the lamp to test, and all showed A1. Slide back in and lamp working.

All we can really do is try most likely, and easiest first, so first swap bulbs, can be as simple as that.

My house I was using electronic light switches, so lost of power, it auto switched off, so until fault found I swapped to standard switch.

Turned out to be poorly installed ceiling lights. There's like a ton of wires into each rose and one was loose , in each of the two roses.