Wiring light switch

[ted1234]

Hi, Just changed the light switch in my sons bedroom.
The existing switch had earth a blue wire and a yellow wire and red wire (common).
The red and yellow are permanently live, the blue is only live when the switch is turned on.
I have wired in the new switch (which has only two connections) thus :-
Red to L1 (common)
Blue to L2
I have disconected the yellow wire but the switch/light works fine.
What does the yellow do and have I done wrong by disconecting it ?
Thanks Ted

 

[sparkwright]

There was or is 2 way switching in the room.

There was probably another switch by the bed.

This would have been a wall switch, or more commonly a pull switch.

If you can access the wiring you could reinstate the 2 way switching.

 

[ted1234]

Ah yes there is another switch behind the bed !
Thanks....

 

[Taylortwocities]

So, you'll need to connect the yellow up again, or the switch by the bed won't work.

 

[ted1234]

Thanks for the help Guy's
Ted

 

[sparkwright]

It sounds like your new switch is a 1 way switch (two terminals).

You need a 2 way switch (three terminals).

In the meantime, make sure the end of the yellow wire is made safe.

 

[wingcoax]

In the meantime, make sure the end of the yellow wire is made safe.

If the switch near the bed is operated the end of the yellow will become live.

 

[ted1234]

Thanks Guy's, I have made safe the yellow wire and marked it as live.
We never use the "other" switch, is it safe to just leave the yellow wire disconected ?

 

[sparkwright]

Unless you are prepared to remove the unused switch completely, you should do it properly and fit a 2 way switch as before. There could be problems if the unused switch is switched.

Out of interest and concern, if your replacement switch is metal, make sure there is an earth connection.

 

[EFLImpudence]

I suppose it would be acceptable to put the yellow in the terminal with the blue making the bed switch useless.

However, for the sake of buying a two-way switch and having the circuit work properly it does seem a bit pointless.

 

[ted1234]

Thanks for the help everyone.
I will get the correct switch.
Thanks again....Ted