Help changing light switch

SEMO-Mark

Hi all,

I could do with changing my light switch, and need help matching up the wires.

The current wiring behind the switch has two mains wires coming out of it.

Mains cable 1 has:
1 red wire connected to Com
1 black wire connects straight into cable 2
1 earth wire

Mains Cable 2 has:
1 red wire connected to L1
1 black wire connects straight into cable 1

The new switch needs a neutral wire

Now I am assuming the black wire is a neutral wire which i need so if i cut this so i can attach it to the switch is this correct?

I have attached photos if someone could guide me that would be great.

I cant post a link as a "new user" so here is the url to photos imgur.com/a/OaHVSLJ

Thanks

EssexExile

The wires that go into the old switch go into the new switch. Leave the black wire alone.

SEMO-Mark

Hi,

The new switch needs a neutral wire though which is why I thought using the black wire?

jk0

Get an electrician.

onomatopoeia99

SEMO-Mark wrote: »

The new switch needs a neutral wire though which is why I thought using the black wire?

Why do you think it need a neutral?


I'm tempted to refer you to Riestard for advice at this point.

Owain_Moneysaver

Could you post a photo of the front of the switch and/or a link to where you bought it from? From the Chinese writing on the back I don't think it's going to be compliant with British Standards.

To supply L and N to the switch you'll need to find which one of the two reds is L, and you'll need an electrical tester to find that.

The red L and both black N would go in L & N, and the other red would go in one of the switch terminals (L1 L2 L3 L4)

TheCyclingProgrammer

There!!!8217;s a very good chance you don!!!8217;t have a neutral at the switch and if the switch really needs a neutral it isn!!!8217;t going to be any use.

From what you!!!8217;ve posted you seem to be lacking in the knowledge required to safely change this switch so I would also advise you consult an electrician.

Edit: from the photo it’s possible you have a neutral, with the reds acting as live and switch live but impossible to say for sure. Still get an electrician for this one and as per the poster above, what is the switch and where did you get it? What does it do that requires a neutral?

missile

Red from com1 goes to L
Red from L1 goes to L1

It would appear the earth wires are not currently connected to earth. They should be connected to the box.

Goath

That switch is NOT COMPLIANT with British Standards I would advise you bin that and get a proper switch from a proper retailer (they are only a couple of quid so why bother with Chinese tat)


Also get an electrician, as you clearly don't know what you are doing!


No self respecting electrician would use that (I wouldn't*)


*I am not a qualified electrician, but I do have a basic understanding I also know when I am out of my depth with Electrics and I don't attempt to do anything than very basic stuff that I am comfortable with,

Le_Kirk

Here is your photo link made live. I have to say I am more confused than ever. What is that complicated beat wrapped up in plastic? Maybe you could tell us the model name/number of the new light.

tacpot12

Did the switch not come with any instructions? Often there is a jumper needed between the Permanent live feed and the other parts of the switch if a 230v light is to be powered.