2 Way switch wiring problem

[richard266]

Hi everyone.

I am changing a switch to a bathroom where one switch controls extractor (left switch) and right switch controls a light. I have wired up and am getting nothing from left switch and if right switch is used both lights and extractor fan are on....

I have labeled wires using A, B, C etc and connections numbered in green. Could anyone let me know what wires go where to get the switch working right?

Many thanks.

Richard

 

[sparkwright]

What happens when right switch is off? (you may have to turn the left one on first to see)

 

[EFLImpudence]

How did it work before?

 

[richard266]

If the switches are in the off position nothing happens. So both switches off - no lights, no extractor, Left switch on - nothing. Right switch on both lights and extractor are on.

 

[richard266]

The layout of the back of the old switch was significantly different - I have a similar problem before which was solved on here so I didn't think I would have had the same problem again.

 

[sparkwright]

Do two of the wires have their ends 'doubled over'?

 

[richard266]

Not as as far as I can see - have also noticed that light to landing is no longer working - I'm sure once the correct wiring is used this will probably work OK

 

[sparkwright]

A more detailed description on how things are currently working would tell us where each wire needs to go. At the moment it doesn't quite make enough sense.

However, if you can trace each wire, the light wire goes in one of the L1s. The fan wire goes in the remaining L1. Each remaining wire goes in each COM, with the link between the COMs.

 

[richard266]

Currently - you mean before I took the old switch off? Sorry I really should have made more of a note of the wires. I had a similar problem a year or so ago which was answered on this thread...//www.diynot.com/diy/threads/confused-by-wiring-on-light-switch.409869/

Please ignore the labeling used as those may not correspond to the wires now.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Do you have a two pole voltage indicator, the thing we and you need to know, is which cable is the permanent live one.

 

[bernardgreen]

Since light and fan operate together it is safe to assume that A and C are to the lamp and fan. ( either way round ) Also there for saf to assume that B is the incoming supply.

D is probably a feed to some other lamp or the permanent Live to the fan if it has a timer.

So I would suggest that the correct wiring is D and B are linked by the bridge wire and A and C are not linked.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

I had a similar problem a year or so ago which was answered on this thread...//www.diynot.com/diy/threads/confused-by-wiring-on-light-switch.409869/

So not learned much in the meantime then?

 

[sparkwright]

Currently - you mean before I took the old switch off? Sorry I really should have made more of a note of the wires. I had a similar problem a year or so ago which was answered on this thread...//www.diynot.com/diy/threads/confused-by-wiring-on-light-switch.409869/

Please ignore the labeling used as those may not correspond to the wires now.

I mean currently, as it is now. I would say your description how it appears to be working now is lacking something as I can't quite determine how to swap those wires around without you having to get a test meter, which PBoD has now suggested.

 

[richard266]

I'm afraid not and feel guilty for posting again - apologies...

 

[richard266]

Since light and fan operate together it is safe to assume that A and C are to the lamp and fan. ( either way round ) Also there for saf to assume that B is the incoming supply.

D is probably a feed to some other lamp or the permanent Live to the fan if it has a timer.

So I would suggest that the correct wiring is D and B are linked by the bridge wire and A and C are not linked.

So are you thinking...

D - 1
B - 2
A - 3
C - 4

with the lights on the landing not working your assumption of D feeding off to that seems logical.