2 Way Switch Wiring Help

Photogaz

I've tried to wire a 2 way switch downstairs.  I've followed the instructions but on the upstairs single switch I'm really stumped.  I tried as diagrams suggest but every time the combination just doesn't work.  Either the light is the wrong way around or the upstairs switch doesn't do the switch.

On the wires coming from the downstairs, I have Red, Blue and Yellow (Plus earth wire).  On the wires linking to the main light I've got a red and black wire.  The back of the single switch only has 2x L1 and 2x L2.  

Please see the pictures below:





Any help would be appreciated. 

ciderboy2009

It's not quite clear to me exactly what you're trying to achieve but that looks to me like a one way light switch - I thought that two way light switches also had a 'common' connection.

FreeBear

ciderboy2009 said: It's not quite clear to me exactly what you're trying to achieve but that looks to me like a one way light switch - I thought that two way light switches also had a 'common' connection.

The OP has an intermediate switch - This is used where you have three or more switched to control a single light.

OP - You need one of these -

How it is wired up will depend very much on how the other end of the cables are connected.

Photogaz

ciderboy2009 said:

It's not quite clear to me exactly what you're trying to achieve but that looks to me like a one way light switch - I thought that two way light switches also had a 'common' connection.

There's also a switch downstairs.  I want the downstairs and upstairs to control the same upstairs light switch. 

The downstairs is already wired as below 

 

FreeBear

OK. So you need the same type of switch on the landing. L1 & L2 will be connected to blue & yellow.

Assuming the red/black coming down from the top in your back box is the switched/live from the light fitting. connect the two reds together, and the black to the Com on the switch. If the light still doesn't work, swap the red/black over.

Rodders53

ciderboy2009 said:

It's not quite clear to me exactly what you're trying to achieve but that looks to me like a one way light switch - I thought that two way light switches also had a 'common' connection.

No.  That is  an 'intermediate' switch when there are three+ switches controlling the same light(s).

Clearly states so on the switch itself in embossed letters!! 

Not the correct switch to use in a conventional 2-way, 2 switch circuit: 
 http://wiki.diyfaq.org.uk/index.php/2_Way_Switching

Ganga

Rather than do any damage to your house or worse yourself ,get a sparky to sort it out.

grumbler

Rodders53 said:

ciderboy2009 said:

It's not quite clear to me exactly what you're trying to achieve but that looks to me like a one way light switch - I thought that two way light switches also had a 'common' connection.

No.  That is  an 'intermediate' switch when there are three+ switches controlling the same light(s).

Clearly states so on the switch itself in embossed letters!! 

Not the correct switch to use in a conventional 2-way, 2 switch circuit: 
 http://wiki.diyfaq.org.uk/index.php/2_Way_Switching

I think it can be used as a conventional 2-way switch if two correct terminals are connected together thus making 'COM', but for a DIYer it's easier just to buy a two-way switch.

47Revisited

Assuming you've wired other switch correctly. Don't forget the earth.