Replacing a light switch - help with wiring please!

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jonathan18

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#217854 15-Jul-2017 15:15

So I have a light switch in which the rocker is getting dodgy; I've bought a replacement, but in setting out to install this I note the terminals on the old and replacement switches don't directly correlate. I've checked on various sites, but can't find a clear answer. I'd like to be sure of getting this right before installing the new switch!

Here's a photo of the current switch:

I read that, from top to bottom, as: neutral; one way; common; two way; and some symbol I don't know, but assume it may be loop? (given this is found on the new switch). No wires are connected to the "two way" terminal.

New switch has the standard 1, 2, common and loop.

Given there's not a direct match between the two (noting '2' isn't used in the old switch), can someone please advise which should match up with which?

I'm only comfortable in replacing the switch if it's a direct connection of the four sets of grouped wires into the equivalent terminal on the new switch, so will seek help from someone experienced with wiring or get an electrician in to do it if it needs a redistribution of the wiring, but hopefully it's fairly straight-forward?

Thanks for any advice.

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#1822910 15-Jul-2017 15:22

It would help to post a photo of the existing connections.

jonathan18

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#1822914 15-Jul-2017 15:39

Do you mean a photo in which you can see the wiring coming into the terminals?

Rikkitic

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#1822919 15-Jul-2017 15:49

How many wires do you actually have connecting to the current switch (how many terminals have a connection)? It looks like two to me but I can't see for certain.

Light switches are usually pretty straightforward. If the current switch only has connections to Neutral and One-Way, just connect those wires to 1 and common on the new switch. It doesn't matter which wire goes where. If the switch is backwards when you try it, move the wire from 1 to 2.

That should do it. If there are more wires or connections than two, then get some help.

Plesse igmore amd axxept applogies in adbance fir anu typos

jonathan18

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#1822920 15-Jul-2017 15:54

There are wires in four out of the five terminals; the only one empty is the two way terminal, as mentioned above. Hence why I am confused!

Jaxson

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#1822923 15-Jul-2017 16:12

Afternoon,

Is this a 2way switch, or just a standard one switch for the circuit deal?

If it's a 2way switch setup (same light can be turned on and off from several switches in the room) then it's a bit harder to diagnose over the internets :)

clive100

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#1822947 15-Jul-2017 16:35

The last connector on your picture looks like the "earth" symbol & is likely to have the green wires fitted.

The wiring of the old switch ... 1, common, earth/loop go to the same markings on the new switch. For the The neutral connection (black wires at top ) you will require a suitable seperate terminal connector just to keep the neutral wires from becoming seperated. They are not internally connected within the old switch and no need to be intergrated in the new switch.

If in doubt seek qualified assistance.

DarthKermit

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#1822952 15-Jul-2017 16:58

That's an old PDL 200 series light switch. I know that you say you've already purchased a replacement, but if you wanted to, you can get a brand new one of them at Frasers in Downing Street. I think you're in PN, right? Those guys have a big box full of PDL 200 series gear.

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gregmcc

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#1822989 15-Jul-2017 17:55

Jaxson:

Afternoon,

Is this a 2way switch, or just a standard one switch for the circuit deal?

If it's a 2way switch setup (same light can be turned on and off from several switches in the room) then it's a bit harder to diagnose over the internets :)

a better picture show the wire colours to each terminal would be good.

basically the "N" terminal is just a spare terminal for the neutral to go somewhere, the other one which may be labelled "E" or "L" is again just a spare terminal

The active or phase will go to the "C" (common) the switch wire "1" will go to the light.

As for the new switch, it will only have one spare terminal labelled "L" for loop, the earth or neutral can go in there, makes no difference, you will need a connector (bubble type or strip connector) for the neutral or earth, which ever one you didn't put in the loop terminal.

Active or phase goes to the "C" terminal

wire to the light goes to "1"

remember to isolate the circuit you are working on, If you feel the task is beyond your knowledge get an electrician.

jonathan18

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#1823612 17-Jul-2017 09:16

Thanks heaps for all the replies; two sick kids over the last few days has meant I've been unable to get back to looking at the switch, but will indeed post some better photos if need be.

That said, perhaps @DarthKermit's solution is the tidiest:

DarthKermit:

That's an old PDL 200 series light switch. I know that you say you've already purchased a replacement, but if you wanted to, you can get a brand new one of them at Frasers in Downing Street. I think you're in PN, right? Those guys have a big box full of PDL 200 series gear.

Good to know! Yep, am in PN, so will check out Frasers. Are these types of switches expensive? (IME, PDL retail prices aren't typically bargains!) That said, simply buying a replacement switch with the same terminals removes any significant risks of me having to determine which wires go where.

DarthKermit

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#1823627 17-Jul-2017 09:50

Hi, I think they'd only want a couple of dollars for it. They're pretty good with their prices I reckon. Yes you're right, brand new retail prices on PDL gear are high. Cheers. :)

jonathan18

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#1823732 17-Jul-2017 12:52

DarthKermit:

Hi, I think they'd only want a couple of dollars for it. They're pretty good with their prices I reckon. Yes you're right, brand new retail prices on PDL gear are high. Cheers. :)

Popped out to get a light switch from them, and disappointingly they only have side switches (ie, those oriented in 'landscape', in both one- two and three-switch configs. Bugger, but it was certainly worth checking out... now back to trying to sort this out (unless there's another source someone knows of a source of old PDL 200 series switches?!). Will post better photos when I get the opportunity.

Wiggum

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#1823747 17-Jul-2017 13:22

/me sits back, gets the popcorn out and waits for the "You need to call an electrician NOW" comments.

gregmcc

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#1823748 17-Jul-2017 13:35

Wiggum:

/me sits back, gets the popcorn out and waits for the "You need to call an electrician NOW" comments.

It seems to me that you need to read the last half of the last line I posted

"If you feel the task is beyond your knowledge get an electrician."

It does seem to me now that this is the case.

1101

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#1823764 17-Jul-2017 13:44

gregmcc:

It does seem to me now that this is the case.

I'd go as far as saying, if he had to ask how to wire it up, he shouldnt be attempting it to start with.

:-)

"and some symbol I don't know, but assume it may be loop? "
That would be the earth symbol. :-O .... Just scary ......

Bung

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#1823774 17-Jul-2017 13:56

1101:
gregmcc:

It does seem to me now that this is the case.

I'd go as far as saying, if he had to ask how to wire it up, he shouldnt be attempting it to start with.

Asking is good, not absorbing the content of either gregmcc or clive100's replies is the fault.

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