Puzzled.. Wiring a touch light from old switch

[SMF]

Puzzled.. I am trying to replace an old 2 gang 1 way switch (see below how is wired) to a new 2 gang 1 way touch light switch (2nd picture), however I'm confused by the wires. Although a total novice, Im guessing the one were there is 2 res wres attached, is power and is being looped over to switch 2 to give that power, but I'm unsure what the solo red wire and yellow wire are. Can anyone please advise, any help is really appreciated.

 

[terryplumb]

The yellow is switched live of left gang and the single red is switched live of right gang.
Are there earth conductors ? That metal switchplate has no earth.

 

[SMF]

I didnt see an earth although is an old house, however I can have a look in morning to see if there is an earth inside socket, I believe the new socket wouldnt need the earth. Would you know what wires, ie yellow wire is that in L and then unsure which red etc in L1 etc if that makes sense.

 

[terryplumb]

L2 and L1 on new switch are for the two switched lives ,yellow ,and red as explained above. The other reds go together in L.

 

[SMF]

Right that makes sense.

So yellow into L1, The Solo Red if L2 and the 2 wires that are connected by the loop into L.

I just couldnt also understand why there is a loop connecting the other 2 reds. Thank you so much for your help, I really appreciate it.

 

[terryplumb]

One red is live feed in ,the other live feed out to next accessory. The bridge wire just links the two and provides live feed to second gang.

 

[SMF]

got you, once again thank you so much for your help and advice.

 

[terryplumb]

You should check other metal switchplates in the property to ensure they are earthed.

 

[SMF]

Thanks Terry, I have just checked the switch and can see that the back plate is earthed, is this ok? I have also checked quickly another switch in the dining room and that metal switch is earthed, is this normal that can be the back plate or metal plate? I also believe that only metal switches need to be earthed, is this correct?

 

[terryplumb]

The earth conductors (wires) should connect to the earth terminal of the metal switchplate. If your reference to a " back plate" is the galvanised metal mounting box where the earth conductors are terminated ,that doesn't earth the switchplate !! It's common for a flying earth link to go between the back box and switchplate
Plastic switchplates don't require earthing ,and don't have an earth terminal. Not to be confused with plastic power sockets ( plug sockets) which must be earthed ,and do have earth terminals.

 

[SMF]

So, would i be right in saying that if I dont connect the new touch light switch, I could take the earth of the back plate and reconnect it to the metal switch plate as like the one in the dining room.

However as am I putting a new touch switch which doesnt have an earth terminal, in simple terms it doesnt need earth as no where for it to be connected.

 

[terryplumb]

Yes ,and yes.

 

[EFLImpudence]

That's a very poor and misleading wiring diagram.

Try this - colours as per your wiring:

 

[SUNRAY]

Even less confusing... hopefully.

 

[JohnW2]

That's a very poor and misleading wiring diagram.

I think you're probbly being unnecessarily 'restrained'. It's surely just plain wrong, and dangerous - with both switched L outputs apparently connected to neutral

Kind Regards, John