Strange problem with two of my upstairs lights

[McGraw]

Hi.

We have a small room at the end of our landing with loft access that we use for the cat's bits and pieces.

The loft light is connected in some way to the light in this room.

Recently, the light has stopped working in there. It initially manifested itself as coming on, then going off. It then started working again but the switch was now working the wrong way round.

This light no longer works at all.

Now the problem has spread to the landing. This light mostly works but changes daily from on turning the light off and vice versa. This light too also decides to stop working every couple of days for a few hours.

There is no observable pattern to why the function of the switch but none of the other upstairs rooms have problems.

We spend a lot more time in the loft now as it is going to be used as a cat nursery.

Perhaps our constant walking around has caused some sort of bad connection?

The loft light is also fine.

I would like to get an idea of what could be causing this before I call out an electrician in the run up to Xmas.

Assuming I pull the loft boards up in advance, what do you think the time and therefore cost is likely to be?

Thanks a lot.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Recently, the light has stopped working in there. It initially manifested itself as coming on, then going off.

This just sounds like a loose wire somewhere.
Check switches and fittings nearby.

It then started working again but the switch was now working the wrong way round.

That's not really possible unless a wire pulled out and then touched another terminal.
Are you sure that you just didn't notice it was upside down until the trouble started?

This light no longer works at all.

That'll make the problem easier to find.

Now the problem has spread to the landing. This light mostly works but changes daily from on turning the light off and vice versa. This light too also decides to stop working every couple of days for a few hours.

Loose wire somewhere.

Perhaps our constant walking around has caused some sort of bad connection?

Very likely. Check underneath the places you have been walking first.

 

[McGraw]

Thanks very much.

I checked the switch in the cat's room and the bottom connector had come undone.

I have fixed it now and all is good.

I absolutely promise that the landing light switch was reversed. I'm 90% certain it was reversing backwards and forwards as well. It's back to normal now though.

 

[Johnmelad]

I absolutely promise that the landing light switch was reversed. I'm 90% certain it was reversing backwards and forwards as well. It's back to normal now though.

Is it a two way switch

 

[McGraw]

I don't know, it just looks like a normal white plastic "wedge" switch to me.

 

[riveralt]

I don't know, it just looks like a normal white plastic "wedge" switch to me.

Have a look at the back - one way switches will just have C = Common and L1 terminals available - with the red/brown in C and black/blue (with red/brown) sleeving in L1.
Two way switches will have and additional terminal sometimes marked as L2.
If you do have a two way switch and want it to operate as a one way switch (the normal way) then make sure the cables are connected as above.