How do I wire a two way dimmer to an old two way lightswitch with all red wire inside?

Question

I have just installed two new light fittings in my lounge which are compatible for a dimmer switch but when I removed the old two way light switch there were three red wires coming from the inside of the walls leading to Right side L2 L1 and Left side L2 there was also a wire which was also red which was not connected to the wall in any way but just looped from R side L1 to L side L2. I duplicated this in the dimmer switch but nothing happened. The earth wire is connected to the inside of the box itself therefore the switch doesnt need earthing. When I put the new lights in there were old electrical wires in the ceiling. In one was a red and a black wire, which I connected and the light worked from the old switch in the other there was two black wires and a red which when connected to the new light worked. Where am I going wrong with the dimmer? It has eight connection holes, four on either side L then a blank the N then another blank. I wired it the same as the original switch.

Answer 1

I think you might be in the UK. And that makes a big difference. I am going to have to educate myself on UK wiring someday. Maybe one of our British cousins can jump in and answer your question.

Answer 2

Are the lights controlled by 2 different switches??
If so, then these are called 3-way switches. At the switch box, you will have 1 common wire and 2 runner wires.

Here is a site to check for the wiring.

http://www.electrical-online.com/default.htm

good luck.