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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Electrical Questions >> Help and advice please for new light switch https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1318189694 Message started by bigdigger on Oct 9^th, 2011, 8:48pm

Title: Help and advice please for new light switch
Post by bigdigger on Oct 9^th, 2011, 8:48pm

I have recently attempted to change a double light switch that operates 2 sets of lights in the living room independantly. I was horrified to find that the new light switch had totally different parts to the one i was replacing. However, i have managed to put the right wires (4 red and 1 earth) in the right holes i think? after many tries and both lights now work as they should. The problem now is that when i reset the mcb for the downstairs lights, that includes those with the new switch, the kitchen and dining room lights now wont work at all :-? Any help / advice much appreciated

Title: Re: Help and advice please for new light switch
Post by Lectrician on Oct 9^th, 2011, 11:07pm

Do they work when you turn your new switches on?

Title: Re: Help and advice please for new light switch
Post by bigdigger on Oct 11^th, 2011, 10:27pm

Have tried many configurations and eventually found one that allowed the other downstairs lights to work :) and the wall lights switched on and off with one switch and the ceiling lights switched on and off with the other switch although although one switch swiched lights on in the on position and the other switch switched lights on in the off position - to get to this stage has taken hours - however when screwing switch to wall using metal ? screws the lights do not work again as they should .
Does the metal screw form part of a circuit when contacting switch and bit you screw it to.The switch is earthed

Title: Re: Help and advice please for new light switch
Post by CWatters on Oct 11^th, 2011, 11:11pm

The metal back box should be earthed so the screws going into it will normally also be earthed. If the switch stopped working when screwed to the wall something is very wrong. Perhaps a loose connection or perhaps the screws pushed a wire out of the back of the switch? If the screws have cut the insulation they might be live so take care now.

Title: Re: Help and advice please for new light switch
Post by cumbriahandyman on Oct 12^th, 2011, 6:10am

How about some pictures of the switch and the wiring?