Replacing 2 Way Varilight Dimmer with a Standard Switch

[towser_11]

This is a house with pre-2006 wiring. I was exploring the wiring behind a 2 way varilight dimmer switch with a view to getting rid of it and just replacing with a normal switch.

As usual it's a bit of a snakes nest - diagram attached and photo.

All the cables connected are Red.

How do I map this to a modern two way (COM, L1, L2) standard switch - is there anything else I should consider?

Many thanks for any advice.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Put the LIVE and LOAD in COM and L1.

It doesn't matter which way round as you can see from the dimmer switches - but I would put the multiple wires in COM and the single wires in L1.

 

[ericmark]

That does seem an odd set up, but two connections to each switch so does not seem to be wired as two way.

I say seem, so with electronic switches you can get 2 way with just two wires without borrowing a line from another switch, so why do you think it is two way?

 

[towser_11]

Sorry - probably my incorrect use of terminology. One switch on the dimmer operates the ceiling lights and the other uplighters in the same room. The ceiling light is also controlled from another switch in the room.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Did the ceiling light work as two-way switching?

As Eric said, it is not wired as two-way would be - or

is this wire loose and should be in the S terminal?

 

[towser_11]

Hi - yes the ceiling light was part of a two way switch. That wire with exposed copper is well attached to that terminal so not loose.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Hi - yes the ceiling light was part of a two way switch.

What do you mean - was?

That wire with exposed copper is well attached to that terminal so not loose.

Ok.

As for replacing the switches as they are wired now, I can only repeat my first reply.