Replacing plastic 2 way switch with a metal switch

[JohnW2]

Are you upset due to the omission of the word decorative?

Goodness knows what he was upset about. As you say, perhaps the absence of the word 'decorative' (which very few people would add) and possibly because he hadn't read the bit of your initial post that referred to the need for the 'metal switch' to be earthed.

Whatever, you shouldn't let it worry you

 

[terryplumb]

Are you sure?

Yes ,if the op wants to replicate the old switch like for like.

 

[EFLImpudence]

The link must be connected to the same wires as it was in the old switches.

It doesn't matter what letters/number mark the terminal.

 

[DetlefSchmitz]

Goodness knows what he was upset about.

I noticed that, allowing for the time difference, the post was made on a Friday evening, so should be taken with a pinch of salt.

 

[electricquestions]

Thanks again for the replies. I tried my best to get a photo of the bottom of the switch for the original post, but just couldn't. Finally managed to do so.

Due to the slightly differing advice, I just want to confirm.

Left switch:
Everything on the left side of the original switch will be replicated under COM1 in the new switch.
Brown sleeved black wire in "COM" will go into COM1 in the new switch.
Two brown wires inserted in "1 WAY" will go into L11 in new switch.
Brown wire and grey wire (inserted in "2 WAY" will go into L12.
A link wire will then go from COM 2 into L11. In total L11 will contain 3 wires.

Right switch:
Everything on the right side of the original switch will be replicated under COM2 in the new switch.
Brown wire in COM will go into COM2 in the new switch.
The single brown wire inserted in "1 WAY" will go into L21.
L22 will remain empty.
A link wire will go from COM 2 into L11 as stated before.

Correct?

Thanks in advance.

 

[EFLImpudence]

View attachment 362432

 

[EFLImpudence]

 

[electricquestions]

View attachment 362432

....ok...so B is labelled "1 WAY" on the old switch. Isn't "1 WAY" the same as L11 not L12

 

[terryplumb]

View attachment 362432

Your diagram doesn't show replication of the original switch wiring , Haven't studied it too much ,is that deliberate ,seems wrong at a glance ?

 

[terryplumb]

Correct and

....ok...so B is labelled "1 WAY" on the old switch. Isn't "1 WAY" the same as L11 not L12

Correct.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Your diagram doesn't show replication of the original switch wiring , Haven't studied it too much ,is that deliberate ,seems wrong at a glance ?

I just thought it easier to replicate the triangles.

It doesn't matter for a two-way circuit - assuming it was the 'right' way round before and the other two-way switch is wired the 'right' way round.

 

[terryplumb]

I just thought it easier to replicate the triangles.

It doesn't matter for a two-way circuit - assuming it was the 'right' way round before and the other two-way switch is wired the 'right' way round.

That's true,but seems to have confused our OP.

 

[electricquestions]

Thanks all....sorry if this is a daft question but how does the earth screw at the back of the back box actually work? Is it the screw that is providing the earth, in which case where does the current go as it's not connected to anything behind the wall is it to take it to the ground?

Also just noticed the earth screw at the back of the back box is completely rusted can they be purchased separately? House is only a couple of years old...new build!!

 

[EFLImpudence]

It is the earth wire which is connected to earth at its other end which then connects parts to that earth.

If the switch is connected to earth by that wire then the back box does not have to be.