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Thread ID: 76358 2007-01-29 22:49:00 Off Topic - Replacing A Light Switch Chris M (11833) PC World Chat
Post ID Timestamp Content User
520513 2007-02-01 01:52:00 What brand of switch was the original? If it's only a 2 switch circuit I don't see why a special $42 switch is needed but then I'm not an electrician :) PaulD (232)
520514 2007-02-01 02:11:00 What brand of switch was the original? If it's only a 2 switch circuit I don't see why a special $42 switch is needed but then I'm not an electrician :)

I'll check it out later.

The $42 switch having 1,2,3,4 as connectors in a circular layout does look different from the 1,C,2,Loop in which the connectors are laid out like a 'T' and Master Trade would have to order them it and this was a massive warehouse shop with more electrical switches than you could poke a stick at.

I'm hoping that I can use the original switches and load them into the new plate which will then have it's cover placed over it giving the impression of all looking like new.

Regards

Chris
Chris M (11833)
520515 2007-02-01 22:09:00 If it's a two way switched circuit, there should be three wires going into it to the 1, 2, and C terminals (with possibly two others going to the "loop" terminal).

What does the other switch on that circuit look like? It should be the same.

The two way switch circuit is simple: two wires connect the 1 and 2 terminals on one switch to the corresponding terminals on the other switch. The lamp and mains are in series between the "C" terminals on the switches.

"1"---------------------------------------------------------"1"
"C"---------o lamp o---------o phase / neutral o-------------"C"
"2"----------------------------------------------------------"2"
Graham L (2)
520516 2007-02-01 23:09:00 The two way switch circuit is simple: two wires connect the 1 and 2 terminals on one switch to the corresponding terminals on the other switch . The lamp and mains are in series between the "C" terminals on the switches .


Graham, I found your pic confusing and this attempt is closer to PDL's version .
Maybe Chris M should get someone in as it doesn't seem acceptable having green wires involved anyway .


"1"----------------------"1"
phase o----"C" "C"--o lamp o--o neutral
"2"----------------------"2"
PaulD (232)
520517 2007-02-02 01:03:00 I just drew that off the top of my head, but I think it's a clearer representation of the circuit (if you add the bit that, of course, "everyone knows" that each of the switches can connect C to either 1 or 2) . :cool:

I did realise after I had logged off that I had showed it switching the neutral, thus leaving the lamp socket live, but I couldn't be bothered correcting it. Most sparkies would probably wire it like that anyway. :thumbs:

I believe that you're not allowed to use normal blue/brown/green-yellow TPS to wire two-way switch circuits anymore, even using coloured sleeving on the ends ; you need "twin phase" wire.
Graham L (2)
520518 2007-02-02 03:40:00 If you've only got 2 switches on the light circuit,then each end will have a normal switch.If there are 3 or more where you can switch the light from, all the others will be intermediate sws. Neil McC (178)
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