Obscure Light Switch Wiring

[robl82]

Hi all,

Looking for some help please. I'm trying to figure out the wiring of the light switch in my living room.

I have 2 ceiling lights, and a single 2 gang switch. There's no 2 way switching in the room.

I'm after having each of the switches operate as a single way switch, operating one of the lights each.

The current wiring setup (which I inherited when I bought the house) I can't make head or tail of.

There's 3 cables (twin and earth) running into the back box, one cable running to one of the com ports, then there seems to be a "jumper" between the com ports. And then what you'd assume was a switch live running from each of the L1 ports.

All 3 neutrals are connected together with a block.

The challenge is that currently one of the switches is completely non functional, while the other switch operates both lights...

Pictures attached, but if anyone could help me figure out how to make this setup into a simple 2 gang, 1 way switch setup I'd be very grateful!!

 

[opps]

I am not an electrician...

I would disconnect each of the reds and then determine which is the permanent live.

If for example it is the one currently going into L11, I would put it into the com, and the one in the com, I would put into L11.

But I am only guessing

A proper electrician should be along soon....

Edit- I would also consider sticking with L11 and L12

 

[ebee]

Just from looking only.
It might be that the conductor now connected to either L11 or L22 is in fact permanent L and should be goint to one of those com's the other two are L11 and L22 respectively

 

[Murdochcat]

Are you 100% sure that one switch doesn’t do anything

 

[pete01]

If one switch operates both lights you wont be able to individually switch them.

 

[Murdochcat]

If one switch operates both lights you wont be able to individually switch them.

Not sure I agree with that. Could be wired wrong as it stands hence my question above

 

[robl82]

Are you 100% sure that one switch doesn’t do anything

Yep, 100%. 1 switch of the two literally does nothing, the other operates both the lights on and off.

 

[pete01]

Not sure I agree with that. Could be wired wrong as it stands hence my question above

Maybe, I'm just guessing the lights are linked and the unknown switch cable is for something else...maybe.

 

[robl82]

If one switch operates both lights you wont be able to individually switch them.

Could you explain (to a relative layman) why please?

 

[pete01]

Could you explain (to a relative layman) why please?

If what you say is correct the lights are probably linked from each other, so without another wire installed it cant be done.

 

[pete01]

Have a look in the lights see how many cables in each, you might be lucky.

 

[robl82]

Have a look in the lights see how many cables in each, you might be lucky.

What would I see if I am lucky...?

 

[pete01]

What would I see if I am lucky...?

1 twin and earth in each, then as above might be a switch wiring problem.

 

[pete01]

Just from looking only.
It might be that the conductor now connected to either L11 or L22 is in fact permanent L and should be goint to one of those com's the other two are L11 and L22 respectively

If that was right would the other switch not work when the main switch is on?

 

[pete01]

What would I see if I am lucky...?

When the lights are on does the other switch work...but only when the first switch is on?