I want to replace a light switch which is 1 way, but the switch I have on there currently is two way. I will not be using the other 2nd light switch. Which wires then do I need to use, as the new switch has two holes, whilst currently i have three wires sticking out of the wall (2 reds + 1 Black)? I appreciate your help. Thank you.
2007-03-18 05:07:19 · 10 answers · asked by Charles London 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
very simple : this is the best unswer:
very careful with your hends take any 2 wires (insulation part) and tuch each other if light does not work tuch other remaining wire with one olready in your hand .other words find just 2 wires that turn light on when cotact each other you all set.Injoy.JUST BE CAREFULL..
OTHER way is look at your old switch if it is still connected only one wire connector or scrue different color it is common wire then. now you connect this wire and one from two other wires ( or connect other 2 wires together then other switch will not be working at all)
2007-03-18 06:42:42 · answer #1 · answered by handyct 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The right terms for the switches is a 3- way switch and a single pole switch you could actually keep the switches you have in place and the switch you are not using you would just have to take the 3 wires off the switch and splice them together and put a wire nut on it and a blank cover since you already have the switch out you still need to splice the wires in the switch box you are not using and the switch you are replacing take the black and one of the reds and put it on the new switch
2007-03-18 14:51:04 · answer #2 · answered by brndnh721 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One Way Light Switch
2016-11-08 08:05:48 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It all depends on how the wires were run. It may turn out to be impossible using your present configuration. The trick is to determine where the hot comes from. If it comes from the breaker into the switch box you wish to use then continues on to the light from there then you will be able to do it but you will have to use one of the reds to create a neutral loop through the other box. Odds are though, based on what your saying, the power either comes from the other switch box or the fixture box. If it comes from the other switch box you may be able to use those wires to loop power over then back by eliminating that switch and connecting those wires together in a very specific way. If power comes from the fixture box first to the other switch it gets even more complicated. The trick is to determine what wires are where with a continuity tester and then redraw the schematic to accommodate your needs then rewire accordingly. Good luck and click this link, it will show you different ways the wire could be run. http://www.the-home-improvement-web.com/information/how-to/three-way-switch.htm
2007-03-18 05:48:44 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You will need to use one of the red wires and the black wire. Definitely put a wire nut and or some electrical tape over the remaining red wire. Try the switch it should turn the light on, If it does not then go to the remaining 3-way switch and flip it to the other setting. The light should go on. Install the switch, put the cover on and have a cold one.
If the light doesn't turn on then you will need to remove the black wire and put on the red (someone miss wired the connections in the other switch, very common).
2007-03-18 05:27:37 · answer #5 · answered by Arthur 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
As above, I think you mean 2 GANG not 2 WAY!!?? Do you want to control 2 separate lights with one single switch??
IF SO?? remove the link and put the (feed) wire into one terminal, then put the two switch wires into the other terminal. If this is not what you want then I need more information.
2007-03-18 07:25:31 · answer #6 · answered by jayktee96 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'll try to make this simple. Each of the two boxes have three wires. two of the wires are called travelers, they travel from one box to the other, thats their only purpose. the third wire is ether a switch leg(goes from the switch box to the light) or a hot(goes from breaker box to switch box). In the box you wish to keep find your hot wire, probably the black but make sure.
Conect the hot and one traveller to the two pole switch(you call it a one way)in the box you want to keep.
In the other box take the switch leg, also the black but make sure, and connect it to the same traveller (via wire nut). you will have an extra wire left over tape it up with a good electrical tape and put a blank cover on the switch box.
Here is a link to a three way switching diagram to help you better understand the concept, you only have two switches, but it is called three way switching .http://www.handymanwire.com/articles/3wayswitch.html
2007-03-18 06:21:47 · answer #7 · answered by stephispretty@sbcglobal.net 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A 2way switch means that it is a single lamp (or set of lamps) being controlled by two switches.
Do you in fact have a 2-gang switch (two rockers on the same lightswitch?)
2007-03-18 07:11:14 · answer #8 · answered by Pauline 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
they have cover plates with only one lightswitch and a blank plate all in one just a couple of bucks
lowes homedepot or the electric man local contractor
2007-03-18 05:40:44 · answer #9 · answered by pat m 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
listen mate i can`t help you, just wanted to wish you luck. what you are saying is exactlly what i was trying to sort out a couple of years ago. i gave up in the end for fear of blowing my place up. I intended to get someone in, and still am, just learnt to do without it. bloody nitemare mate.
2007-03-18 05:12:04 · answer #10 · answered by Spurs17 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋