two way switch query

[azza]

Please excuse my novice like description of this problem, but it's driving me nuts! Recently purchased a ceiling light for our lounge, to replace an existing one. The existing one had one switch at either end of the room (one is a dimmer) and functioned as you would expect. The new light fitting has three connections on a terminal block - earth, live and neutral. From my ceiling, I have 2 live, 2 neutral and 2 earth wires. I've followed the instructions as best I can, but it seems no matter which way I connect it, the light connects in an always-on state - the switches have no effect at all. Does anyone out there have any idea where I might be going wrong please?

 

[securespark]

And you didn't make a note of which wires were connected where BEFORE you took the old fitting down?

You should ask a spark to look at it for you. No offence but by your own admission, you are a "novice".

You would need a multimeter to complete this job, and if you don't understand how one works or have a basic understanding of the circuit, then you should not attempt it.

 

[azza]

The reason for replacing the fitting was that it was cracked and painted over - I was not able to see any labelsd or marks on the terminals of the old fitting to tell me which was which, and none of the existing cables had marks on them either, apart from the colour. I do have a multimeter and I'm confident in using it, but I'm not sure in this case how I can use it to help me - any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

From my ceiling, I have 2 live, 2 neutral and 2 earth wires.

What you've probably got is 1 live (red), 1 neutral (black), 1 live feed for the switch (red) and 1 switched live (black).

Separate them all, make the ends safe with bits of choc-block, turn the power back on, and with your trusty meter confrm that one pair is live and the other is not. Also confirm that the situation doesn't change when you work the switches. I would normally suggest confirming that you've identified the switch cable by setting the meter to continuity and checking that you get continuity when the switch is on, but the presence of a dimmer might complicate that.

See the For Reference post for how ceiling roses are wired up - if you've only got two cables then that's the last light in the chain.

The two reds need to be joined together in a junction box, or with choc-block inside one of the little boxes meant for that, then you take the switched live to the live of the light (you really should mark that wire with red sleeving or red tape), the neutral to the neutral of the light and both earths to the earth of the light.