Replacing 2 gang, 2 way light switch

[EFLImpudence]

He was advised to do that to 'bypass' the other (two-way) switch.

As for the right hand switch -

Does it sound like it is working properly?
Have you caused any short-circuits during the work?

You could try putting the two reds, not the link, back in the old switch to see if it works.
If it does then the dimmer is faulty.

 

[AndyPRK]

Sure u don't mean the left switch is on all the time?

 

[sparkwright]

Sure u don't mean the left switch is on all the time?

This is what I'm wondering.

I would have expected the switch with the yellow and blue to be on all the time wired like that.

If so, tell us what's at the other switch. It should be blanked off nicely in any case, as you don't want a switch there that doesn't do anything.

 

[AlexHUK]

Thanks PBDerry, I figured consulting a forum for advice might result in a few less than helpful responses... but to his credit, Knowall did offer the least cryptic (and least patronising) response so far.

I did consult the instructions http://www.lightwaverf.com/upload/pdf/JSJSLW220_2gangdimmer_manual.pdf but I don't think the wiring diagram applies to my setup.

Obviously I'm no expert (which brought me here in the first place) but why would I need to install the slave switch at the other location if I want to bypass it?

Thanks EFLI, no shorts I am aware of. I isolated the fuse before rewiring the switch and flipped it back on without incident. When I got back to the room the lights controlled by the right hand side of the switch were permanently on, regardless of the positions of that switch.

A

 

[AlexHUK]

Sure u don't mean the left switch is on all the time?

Nope, the left switch operates the lights on the left hand side of the room perfectly. It's the right hand switch doesn't affect the light on the right hand side of the room.

 

[sparkwright]

Deleted.

 

[AlexHUK]

Sure u don't mean the left switch is on all the time?

This is what I'm wondering.

I would have expected the switch with the yellow and blue to be on all the time wired like that.

If so, tell us what's at the other switch. It should be blanked off nicely in any case, as you don't want a switch there that doesn't do anything.

Cheers Sparlwright,

There's a pullcord switch at the other end of the room that operates the left hand side lights along with the left switch on the two gang I'm replacing. I'll remove it as soon as I get this working.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

It's the right hand switch doesn't affect the light on the right hand side of the room.

That would suggest you have the switch line in with the perm live link.

 

[EFLImpudence]

But one of the reds (left one) in the right hand switch must be permanent live otherwise the left would not work.

See original wiring.

Edit - It could be the right hand wire if the switch is stuck on,

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Edit - It could be the right hand wire if the switch is stuck on,

That is the direction in which my train of thought is heading.
The switch is permanently closed.
It could be worth disconnecting left hand cables and swapping with the right hand ones to see if the right side is faulty.

 

[AlexHUK]

Edit - It could be the right hand wire if the switch is stuck on,

That is the direction in which my train of thought is heading.
The switch is permanently closed.
It could be worth disconnecting left hand cables and swapping with the right hand ones to see if the right side is faulty.

Thanks EFLI,

I've swapped the cables in the Switch terminals (blue/yellow with the red) and that made no difference to the lights other than the switches were swapped. That would indicate the 2 gang dimmer switch is fine, I just don't understand why the lights on the right hand side of the room are always on?

Could it have something to do with the bulbs not being dimmable ones?

Cheers,
A

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Could it have something to do with the bulbs not being dimmable ones?

Did you not check that the lamps or even transformers connected where not compatible to being dimmed prior to this replacement? If not then crack on with it.

 

[bernardgreen]

Try leaving one of the yellow or blue wires disconnected from the switch and safely insulated in a terminal block.

If they are strappers for a two way lighting circuit like this ( from the Wiki )

Untitled

• bernardgreen
• 30 Dec 2013
• 1

then joining the strappers together will keep the lamp on. You need to check the blue and yellow are not joined at the other switch controlling the lamp that stays on.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Right.

Straw clutching. Do the lights go out when the two reds are not connected to the switch?
Mark the one that is in with the link.
Remove both of them.
Put them in separate connector blocks before switching on the power.

Do the other lights still go on and of. They shouldn't.

 

[AlexHUK]

Try leaving one of the yellow or blue wires disconnected from the switch and safely insulated in a terminal block.

If they are strappers for a two way lighting circuit like this ( from the Wiki )

Untitled

• bernardgreen
• 30 Dec 2013
• 1

then joining the strappers together will keep the lamp on. You need to check the blue and yellow are not joined at the other switch controlling the lamp that stays on.

Thanks bernard, but the yellow/blue wires are linked to the lights that work normally. It's the lights on the other side of the room which are simply wired using the live and switch that are now on permanently?

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• AlexHUK
• 29 Dec 2013
• 1