the light swich in the hall has broken and i need to replace it, this light turns both upstairs and downstairs. i have read quite a few things on the net but i am being totally dumb and dont get it. im looking for an idiots guide type diagram to tell me which wire goes where.
it is a three way switch
thanks
2007-08-04 05:07:10 · 9 answers · asked by james t 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Be careful, first: on a 3-way light system, the power is always 'ON'...the second switch is HOT even if the one that you are replacing is OFF, so turn off the circuit breaker. Second, after the power is off (verify by making sure that the light is OFF), then unscrew the wallplate, unscrew the retaining screws for the switch (1 at the top and 1 at the bottom), then pull the switch out of the wallbox and unscrew 1 wire at a time, screwing it onto the new switch's terminal in the exact same way that it was screwed onto the old switch, then do the second wire and the third...ONE AT A TIME. Turn the power back on and check functionality of the new switch before pushing it back into the wallbox. Also, make sure that the wires are screwed down firmly onto the terminals. Non-GFCI light switches usually aren't grounded, but ground it if you want to and can, otherwise don't worry about a ground.
2007-08-04 05:22:00 · answer #1 · answered by Dept. of Redundancy Department 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am presuming you are in the UK, and are referring to a 3-gang light switch. Probably one goes to an outside light, one for the hall and one for the upstairs light which is operated from both downstairs and upstairs. I am guessing because you don't actually state in you question.
However, the golden rule here is before you do anything either make a drawing of the existing wiring or take a photo so if all goes pearshape you'll know which wire went where.
The link I am providing below should tell you how to wire it up correctly, depending of course which method was used in the first place. The one shown is the more common.
But if not as long as you have a record of how it was beforehand you shown have no trouble.
Remember to switch off at the Consumer Unit before you start work.
http://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/two_way_lighting.htm
2007-08-06 09:26:48 · answer #2 · answered by nigel t 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Are you SURE this is a "three way switch?" I am inclined to think, without seeing it, that it is more likely to be a three GANG switch. Three way switching is used sometimes in a three storey building where it is required to switch one light, from three levels, ground floor, 1st floor, and top floor. If it is a common three gang TWO way switch. (three switches on one plate) it is just a case of getting a new one, isolating the supply from the fuseboard/consumer unit (turning off the whole board is best) and patiently and carefully one by one, replacing each wire into the same position in the new switch. But i'm also inclined to think maybe you should be finding someone that is more clued up to do it for you James :-)
2007-08-04 16:54:11 · answer #3 · answered by Dick s 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Lowes.com has a very good comprehensive diagram for three way switches controlling a light. I just typed in "electrical diagram for three way switches controlling a light" in the search box and picked the Lowes sight. You were looking for a diagram Right???
2007-08-04 18:36:43 · answer #4 · answered by petethen2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its very simple
get your new switch and disconnect 1 wire at a time and connect it 1 wire at a time
IE disconnect the blue wire from the old switch then connect the wire to the new switch in the same position and carry on doing the same with all the other wires
2007-08-04 12:12:55 · answer #5 · answered by minty359 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
you need a switch with three points live goes in single point other single point goes to bulb , both of others link , left to right , right to left , as you look at switches , only loop together , known as common . draw therefore sign three dotes joint ignore top live &bulb bottom connect 2 insides together 2 outsides together got it yet half the fun is in the learning man remembered when I first twigged
2007-08-04 12:34:24 · answer #6 · answered by murray 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
when asking questions about electrics you should make it clear . where you live as electrical systems and regulations differ from country to country.
do you have two switches operating one light bulb (two way switching),two times two gang switches controlling two light bulbs (two gang two way switching),or three switches controlling one light bulb(three way switching)
2007-08-05 05:22:56 · answer #7 · answered by joseph5644 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to this site it will expllain it.
http://www.electrical-online.com/default.htm
2007-08-04 14:44:10 · answer #8 · answered by Fordman 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
get a professional before you zap yourself
2007-08-04 12:19:18 · answer #9 · answered by spaceman 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋