Eternally grateful. Thank you for the very clear, concise, and "disciplined" instructions. I followed them (and still put one of the L1 into the L2) and wondered why the switches were working in opposite directions. All sorted now. Many thanks mate!
Great stuff! Thanks. I especially appreciated the info about connecting the Earth wire. As it was same as yours, plastic to metal face plate!! Thanks again.
I'm swapping a rocker lightswitch + dimmer switch(2 modules) for a 2 gang plastic switch like in the video. I notice on mine that the "bridge" lead goes from Com on the rocker to L1 on the dimmer, then the sleeved switched lead goes from Com on the dimmer into the circuit, presumably to the dimmable lights. The 2-module switch was professionally fitted, so am I right to think it does not matter if the power flows Com to L1 or L1 to Com through the switch? Thanks - very helpful video!
I have a two way switch. Each switch goes to a different light. I had some renovations done in my house and I came back to see that both switches go to both lights. I checked the wires according to your video. It looks fine. Is there something which you think i might be over looking that might have caused the switches to be in control of both lights? Thank you for your video and time
Nice video. Could you make one with plugs to? I tryed to change a plug but it seems like there was a new standard in design and colours on cables. I got confused so skiped it.
Good advice especially the earth wire stuff. We have metal plates with no earth wire on a few light switches. But do have RCBOs on the 2 lighting and 2 main circuits. Still going to put earth wire into those light switches The only thing I would avoid is testing cables with the screwdiver with the neon light. Better to use a proper tester with finger guards and short pin probes.
Thanks so much for clear and instructive video. Helped us replaced all light switches from plastic to metal and made safe earthing.etc.....have struggled to get an electrician out (to even quote ).. for other larger job ... (sigh.... : - ). ). Thanks handyman!
great vids,i am using a single light switch and plan on putting on a metal face plate only as i am leaving the old plastic back on the wall so do i need to earth this before i connect it as my friend told me i do not need to as he has connected them (metal face and plastic backing)all over his house,can you give me some feedback on this,thanks.
my old switch has two holes, one red wire going in the top and two red wires going into the same hole at the bottom... my new switch (just a basic one from wickes) has 4 holes labeled L1, L2, L3 and L4, the earth wire is in the boxing. ive tried lots of different combo's to get it working with the new switch however nothing seems to work. (i've also tried changing the bulb as i assumed that it might be dead... its not) cheers in advance mate. you're videos are epic!
Hi, i have just baught a new metal double light switch like yours but the connections on the back are totally different and also the layout is. On the back it has a L port at the top and L1 and L2 ports at the bottom and it is mirrored on the other connection block next to it. And it has an earth port. I was wondering why it is different, i baught it from B&Q a few days ago it does not have all the other ports that yours has. It will be used in the downstairs passage to control top+bottom light
Thank you so much, i was able to DIY my switch thx to ur vid, i actually forgot how to replace a light switch, nice video, only problem was, the seller told me that the switch will illuminate LED blue light when its switch on, actually it was a glow in the dark mini plastic LOL, guess i gotta replace the switch again with a version that truly illuminate LED light haha Btw, thumbs up to ur wonderful vid!
great video and this bit I get now, my question is a leeeetle more technical.... An existing 3 gang switch opposite the single gang switch I am replacing with a PIR motion detector/switch turns on and the same light on one of the three switches behind it... This means that there is a wire in COM, L1 and L2.... the PIR only has a COM and L1 terminal.... am I correct in assuming the wire I need is indeed in L1 currently and L2 is the connection between this single gang switch and the 3 gang directly behind? If this is the case can we safely leave the L2 wire loose in the socket (its plastic not metal) or put it in L1s port on the PIR as well??
Sorry, I'm out at the moment and can't grasp what you are asking. Please ask in the electrical forum ultimatehandyman.co.uk/forum1/electric-forum-uk-f3.html and give as much information as possible, preferably with pictures and hopefully one of the sparks will help ;-)
Hi ultimate handyman, none of our light wiring has earthing. does this mean it's not safe? out house is semi detached 1930s built. I only found earthing on sockets so I am confused. do I need to replace all the wiring? please advice. thanks in advance.
There was a copper shortage decades ago, so it is normal to find some older houses with no earth wires on the lighting circuits. They are perfectly safe providing you only install plastic light switches and lights on the lighting circuit. You should never install metal switches or lights on a lighting circuit with no earth wire though as it could be very dangerous under fault conditions.
Hi. Can I just check that the bare copper wire that you are adding is screwed to the same screw as the original earth wire on the back box? My screen is a little dark and I can't see it clearly enough to be definite and obviously I want to get it right when I install my metal switch/faceplate. Also, is the copper wire any particular size/thickness? Many thanks :) Thanks for the great video!
Yes, the earth wire is connected between the backbox and the earthing terminal on the switch. Normally you need a piece of wire that is the same size or thicker than the CPC of the cable. I'd get a piece of 1.5mm green and yellow wire as I think that is the thinnest that you can buy, unless you make a piece yourself from a bare wire and some green and yellow sleeving. Thanks for the comment
+steven trueman I would not leave masking tape on as it could be a fire risk, but if you use insulation tape then yes- leave it on. Thanks for the comment
Evening, I am looking at your detailed vid on how to re wire a light switch. I want to change it to a orvibo touch switch...if I send you a picture of the back of the new switch and current wires could you give me some advice please? Gary
+Gary Dicker I'll try, but soon to retire for the night. If you need a quick answer you could ask here- www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/forum1/lighting-f33.html It's free to join and you can post pictures ;-)
Thanks for the video. Im trying to change a switch in my kitchen. the wiring is as follows. 2 Red wires 2 Black wires and 2 earth wires. Im guessing it has live coming to the switch from the CU and then going to the light itself. On my new switch there is a Com L1 and L2 terminals. How would i wire this? am i right in thinking the red live coming from the CU goes to the com terminal then the red live going to the light itself goes to the L1 and I Join the 2 black neutrals together and not put them in any terminal on the switch? any help will be appreciated. Thanks!
You are welcome. It sounds nearly right providing the loop in is at the switch and someone has not previously wired up two lights or similar. The two neutrals (black wires) need terminating into a terminal block though, not into a switch terminal. Example here using harmonised colours- www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/light_switch_1.jpg please ensure the earth wires are also connected to the earth terminal.
Hi, just a quick question - what is the link wire between the two coms for? And will this link wire always be there in all typical light switch installations? Many thanks.
hi, ive gone to change my light switch and the box behind is plastic with no earthing lug. is it safe to just connect the earth to the earthing lug on the back of the light switch??
hi, ive the same switch but a 3 gang light swich with 3 coms at top and 3 live 1 and 3 live 2 but the old face plate has only 2 coms at the top any ideas on how the do this ? thank you
This is a great vid. Thanks for posting. Is it possible to place an earth wire in, as you do in the vid, even of there seems to be no earth on the box ?
Thanks, No, if there is no earth wire in the cable or the wires leading to the light switch you would have to get one installed which would probably mean a rewire. Under no circumstances should you fit a metal faced plate if there is no earth wire ;-)
***** Just one more question. There are only three wires leading to the connector. Red, blue and yellow. This is old school, right ? The other switch in the room has brown black grey and and earth. Can i fix the dimmer to that one?
lmwnyc It sounds like the second light switch has been installed more recently. As long as the switch is earthed it should not be a problem, but really you need to check that the earth wire is actually connected to the earthing circuit.
Hi, on the earthing cable to the face plate, does the order need to go 3core Earth > face plate > earth terminal? Or can it go as you've done there with the copper wire added from terminal to faceplate? Somehow doesn't seem there is a 'loop' with your method?
I replaced a broken 1 gang 1 way switch with a 1 gang 2 way switch and when i finished connecting the wires and putting the case back onto the wall, i turned the power back on. The light worked fine but when i put the tester onto the two screws on the front of the switch, the tester showed there was a current passing through. Do you have any idea why that might be?
Hi, I notice at 5:01 you said when your fitting a metal one you will need to earth it. I have a plastic one with no erathing terminal. So what would I do in that situation, just put some sleeve on the earth wire and leave it?
+Richy Rich I have done that in the past, but apparently you are supposed to just put some earth sleeving on it and then terminate it into a terminal (just cut a single terminal from a strip of terminal connectors)
I just fitted a single light switch. it has 2 wires going into the com and a single wire to the L1. I mimicd the wires putting on a new switch exactly the same way as the old. my question is if I had loose wires how slow and and fast would I know there's a bad connection and if there was a bad connection will the trip switch go off ? thanks.
It's always best to try to pull the wires out using a finger and thumb before switching the electric back on. Loose wires can cause sparking and lead to fires.
@ultimatehandyman the guy who wired the house fitted plastic backs and faceplates,the problem is he has cut the earth wire away on all sockets,how should i go about putting on an earth wire?
i am chaning a light.swith in my house. it is currenly a white plastic one. the new one i hav picked is also white plastic but has a rating of 10A. is this ok as i dont know rating of the current switch?
Trying to find how to turn a single way light switch into a double light switch for two separate lights, does this switch what you were changing work for two separate lights?
It's not always easy, it depends how your lighting circuit is wired. This video explains that- ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-DoVSdqeFkhE.html Thanks for the comment 👍
It is possible that i didn't replace the light switch correctly and that there is a dangerous amount of current following to the screws. I Tried all the other light switches with the neon tester and it didn't light up. The broken light switch was an MK 5 Amp X, 250 V, A C Only. I switched it with a 10 Amp light switch i bought from argos, i think the mannufacturer is called "Living". Could the problem be that? Thank you for your prompt answers.
Silly question, the block I'm removing has common on the bottom and 2 then 1 on the top, the one I'm replacing it with has common on the top and 1 then 2 on the bottom, the wire that went to com in the old box automatically goes to com in the new one?
I ended up calling an electrician, just to be safe. and indeed there was a a live current going thru there. The metal box was live as well. The wiring happened to be faulty
I have a double switch as you have here BUT my unit has NO screws to wall and just pins to hold into original switch base. Will my new switch (double switch polished chrome) fit into the original base OK? The base is about 20 years old and one switch broke.
I'm not sure, sorry. I have seen screwless face plates, but normally the switch part is screwed to a regular back box, then a cover plate fits over the switch.
Hi there, I'm trying to replace my light switches, but keep finding that the old switches aren't labelled. For example, I opened up one and saw two red wires going into the back of the old switch, but there was no COM or L1 label on the old switch. Does it matter where the red wires go in the back of my new switch? Thanks!
In most cases I would use my phone camera or video and capture/record where the wires were and when installing the new light switch I look back on the picture/video and replace where they were originally
+serberious No, I'm afraid that is not possible for a couple of reasons. There is not normally a Neutral wire at the light switch, also the lighting cable is not designed for such loads, so the cable would not be suitable to carry the current required for a socket.
i have checked the ceiling roses and there are earths connecetd,i put two face plates on two single sockets because there were earths on them but there is no earth wires on the double light switches?.
Hi mate, I’ve brought a house and just trying to change a few switches etc, there’s one that has a dimmer switch on and only has 2 red cables and the earth cable connected into the metal box in self, the only things attach to the switch is one red cable going into com & another into l1 or l2, would be just a simple case to but the com wire into the com wire etc, neither have any tape to show if one is neutral, thank you in advance
Yes, there is no neutral at most light switches, this explains it- ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-DoVSdqeFkhE.html&t Just one red wire into com and the other red wire into L1 or L2 If it's a metal switch, you should connect an earth wire from the earth terminal on the switch to the earth terminal on the backbox too ;-)
How do I make the earth wire like in your video as I am going from plastic to a metal plate for my light switch? But I did not see properly how you made the extra earth wire for the metal plate..
+Mskerryanne You put the circuit earth wire, which should be sheathed with green and yellow sleeving into the earthing terminal of the back box. You then connect the secondary earth wire to that same terminal in the back box and then connect the other end of that wire into the earthing terminal on the switch, again if you are using bare wire it needs to be sheathed with green and yellow sleeving (or just use a piece of dedicated earth wire)
It depends. If there is just a live and switched live if you wire it wrong it won't work correctly. Some light switches have the loop at the light switch, if you get this mixed up incorrectly or you mix up the earth with the lives it will bang (probably at the consumer unit)
It sounds like you might have an intermediate switch, which will need replacing with another intermediate switch- ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-SUlt4ouCYPU.html
Hi, I'm looking to use the same light switches but change what lights each switch turns on and off. It bugs me that the left button for example turns on lights on my right lol. OK just starting your video now to see if it can help
@@ultimatehandyman thanks. I think a lot of it is common sense with guidance from someone like yourself. Just a lack of knowledge and confidence at times puts things off. An electrician asked for 40 quid to do it. I am a believer in people making money, especially when qualified but at the same any savings I can make is great since everything feels like prices keep going up while salaries don't.
If you have a plastic backbox, with no Earth connection and are attaching a new metal switch, should the terminated Earth wires be attached to the faceplate? Perhaps one short wire from the terminal block? It's a landing switch, so lots of wires!
I just take a quick picture with my 5 inch media player device to see where everything was. I use it quite a bit actually. BTW we call "earhting" "grounding" here in the USA.
It's pretty much the same as in this video but you have to ensure you get the correct rated switch and it's critical that you isolate it and ensure it is dead before swapping it over for the new switch.
Another great demo! I have a single light switch thats been fitted by previous owner smack bang middle of a wall that I dont really use and also because of the position, looks ridiculous! LOL How can i remove this and also fill in the hole afterwards?
+jaybeth69 You would have to disconnect the cable at it's source (probably at the light's ceiling rose), then remove the cable and the switch.Then it depends what the wall is made from on how you go about tilling the hole?
ellloooo, just had 2 mains powered smoke alarms fitted only problem is the back up battery light up my gu10 spot light bulbs, He wired them into the lighting circuit and now even if I turn the mains off the gu10s stay slightly lit. feedback from the batteries 2 x 9v is 18v powering 6 x 4w bulbs
It might not be feedback from the batteries. The new wiring to the alarms might be close to another cable that is creating induced current to illuminate the low wattage lamps. I recently changed some tungsten filament lamps for LED lamps here and they stay dimly lit even when off. My smoke alarms are all completely battery run so they are not connected to any circuit. I seriously doubt the alarm batteries will be feeding back.
thanks for the reply, when I take the front off both the smoke alarms the gu10s go out hence me thinking its the batteries back feeding. If I only take 1 smoke alarm off they dim abit both off light off. strange 1
I hope you can help. We have a late 60's early 70's house and tried to change the light switch covers, only to find the plastic holders for the screws inside the wall metal holders have deteriorated with age. Is there anywhere we can get new plastic screw holders rather than having to replace the whole of the metal holder for the wires? Hope this makes sense.
+mdigiman Your best option is to take pictures of the wiring and post the question here- www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/forum1/lighting-f33.html It's probably just a wire in the wrong terminal though.
i'm changing an old 2 way light switch for a new one, only trouble is the old switch has 2 banks with 2 holes at the top and 2 at the bottom, the new switch has 2 at the top and one at the bottom on one bank and the reverse on the other bank and unlike your switch has an extra black wire............help!!!!
This should make it clearer- ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-h7qPuhxOyqw.html And perhaps this - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-n52fvF2G0ys.html
