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Fitting 2 way dimmer switch

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124

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  • atilla
    atilla Posts: 862 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    Sorry, but this thread beggars belief.

    It's clear the OP has NO idea about the problem and for safety's sake should not be playing with the electrics.
  • ZINXYX
    ZINXYX Posts: 627 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Combo Breaker
    Ok , there is a second red wire coming from the grey cable with the taped one. So yes there is another wire. I have a tester.
    You can have God without religion!
  • Myser
    Myser Posts: 1,907 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    It's difficult to see from your picture but, it only looks like one wire is going into the tape?
    If my post hasn't helped you, then don't click the 'Thanks' button! ;)
  • ZINXYX
    ZINXYX Posts: 627 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Combo Breaker
    atilla wrote: »
    Sorry, but this thread beggars belief.

    It's clear the OP has NO idea about the problem and for safety's sake should not be playing with the electrics.
    Thanks bud,
    It is true I have no idea but I can follow instructions when they are detailed and in clear language. Which I am struggling to do myself unfortunately. That is why I have provided pictures.
    As they say a picture is worth a thousand words.
    Thanks
    You can have God without religion!
  • ZINXYX
    ZINXYX Posts: 627 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Combo Breaker
    Myser wrote: »
    It's difficult to see from your picture but, it only looks like one wire is going into the tape?
    That is correct, however there is a second red wire coming from that grey cable which is not taped.
    You can have God without religion!
  • ZINXYX
    ZINXYX Posts: 627 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Combo Breaker
    Right everybody, do you suggest I call a handyman to do this or not? Thanks. I thought I could do this if someone gave me some directions.
    You can have God without religion!
  • Myser
    Myser Posts: 1,907 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    OK, be very careful when you do this.

    Assuming the electricity has been off while you have been taking the photos?!

    I assume you have a neon screwdriver electrical tester. Ensure it is suitable for mains testing.

    If you are not confident, then call in someone to do this for you.

    One of those red wires is a permanent live. The taped up wire is probably redundant. The other two are the switched live wires for each light.

    Separate apart each wire. With the electricity back on, test each wire. One should cause your tester to beep/light or whatever.
    If my post hasn't helped you, then don't click the 'Thanks' button! ;)
  • ZINXYX
    ZINXYX Posts: 627 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Combo Breaker
    Thanks Myser,
    I have done so but none of the wires caused my tester screwdriver to light up. Maybe I should just call somebody with the knowledge and skill.
    You can have God without religion!
  • Myser
    Myser Posts: 1,907 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Those neon screwdrivers aren't very good. Most competant electricians won't rely on them.

    Do you even know if it works?
    If my post hasn't helped you, then don't click the 'Thanks' button! ;)
  • atilla
    atilla Posts: 862 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    ZINXYX wrote: »
    Thanks Myser,
    I have done so but none of the wires caused my tester screwdriver to light up. Maybe I should just call somebody with the knowledge and skill.
    At last.

    This really is the safest, and therefore the best option.
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