Help with bathroom light switch wiring.

minimad74_2

I am replacing the bathroom light switch, and need some help with the wiring. I am not convinced it was wired correctly before. Their are 2 cables coming out from the ceiling, one cable has 1xred 1xblack and 1xearth, the other cable has the same, the 2 earths are joined together. I assume one cable is the supply and the other cable is the switch. It was originally wired with a double pole switch, and the new switch I bought is the same. The switch has a supply live and neutral, and a load live and neutral. Originally both red cables were wired to the supply live and neutral! and both blacks were wired to the load live and neutral! I would have thought 1 red in the supply live, 1 black in the neutral, and the same on the load side? I'm getting mixed readings with the voltmeter and not sure what wires go where, any help appreciated.

Live in the uk. house was built in 1980. Also have a wall mounted fan and separate switch for the fan. I am not sure if the reds are the lives and the blacks are neutrals, as I've heard other way round as well. the ceiling switch has a neon indicator, which doesn't come on when the light is on! The neon indicator on the fan switch, stays on even when turned off!! person who lived here before really messed up wiring.

ValHaller

minimad74 wrote: »

I'm getting mixed readings with the voltmeter and not sure what wires go where

Tell us what voltage readings you are getting to earth on both blacks and both reds, with the switch on and the switch off.

(Assuming you are competent to take voltages on live equipment)

ohreally

Are you perhaps confusing neutrals with switch wiring?

muckybutt

Given your statement that that house was bodged by the previous owner - do yourself a favour and get a qualified electrician in and get a full inspection done

MoneyMate

muckybutt wrote: »

Given your statement that that house was bodged by the previous owner - do yourself a favour and get a qualified electrician in and get a full inspection done

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZizlnLfLks
Hope this link helps, if not sure ask an expert :beer:

muckybutt

MoneyMate wrote: »

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZizlnLfLks
Hope this link helps, if not sure ask an expert :beer:

The OP was asking how to change the switch not the light fitting ! given his lack of knowledge and electrical skills and the wiring being bodged (his words) I would recommend he seeks a professional qualified sparky and not rely on some Youtube clip. Thank you