Triple 2 Way Light Switch

SaverRate

So I’ve been replacing the light switches in my house and there is a triple (3 switch) 2 way light switch in the hall.

It seems I’ve connected one (or maybe more) of the wires to the wrong terminal and is now tripping the circuit breaker.

All other light switches I’ve replaced successfully apart from this one.

I’ll be contacting an electrician tomorrow but wondering if anyone could identify the problem so we can get the lights back on?

Thank you in advance!

Section62

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6663173/triple-2-way-light-switch

You need an electrician to sort it out. Any of us trying to identify the problem for you would just be guessing, and guessing is dangerous with electrics.

There are also some other issues with the switch - the plaster/paint over the wires, the lack of sleeving, the proximity of wires to the switch plate screws, and what is going on with all the 'earths' and possible neutrals.

The cables are relatively modern, but the wiring doesn't look like it was done by a professional. You need an electrician to sort the mess out.

FreeBear

Light switches (generally) switch the live side, so if you are tripping the MCB, you are either shorting to earth or have connected a neutral wire by mistake. Unfortunately, some people will use any old bit of cable for a 2-way switch and repurpose a conductor for a switched live. We would only be guessing as to what has gone wrong, so leave things alone until an electrician can take a look.

jonnydeppiwish!

We made this mistake - now we take a photo of all the connections before disconnecting the old switch 😂

EssexExile

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81958901#Comment_81958901

You have to label everything too, otherwise it's "was it this blue wire or that blue wire?"