Discuss why so many wires just for a light? in the DIY Electrical Advice area at ElectriciansForums.net

Welcome to ElectriciansForums.net - The American Electrical Advice Forum
Head straight to the main forums to chat by click here:   American Electrical Advice Forum

Reaction score
0
hi, im hoping someone can shed some light..(haha get it ) on this for me. i only wanted to change the white switch to something a bit more colourful but wish i hadn't started and would like to just put it back to how it was. but there seems to many wires to do so. theres 5 groups all seem to have 2 wires per sleeve, ive got them all mixed up and now half the lights in the house dont work. the switch is for the downstairs hall,and also works the upstairs landing, upstairs there is only 1 switch and that works the upstairs landing. (well they did until i come along) also i cant remember what one of theses switches was the original one.. please any info is greatly received.

why so many wires just for a light? IMAG0031 - EletriciansForums.net

why so many wires just for a light? IMAG0032 - EletriciansForums.net

why so many wires just for a light? IMAG0034 - EletriciansForums.net
 
Unfortunately once they have been disconnected it is not possible from a distance to tell which wire does what.
It is always a good idea to take a picture of the original setup so that you can restore it if required.
All the uncovered copper wires should be sleeved green and yellow (as some of them are) and connected into the terminal on the top right of the silver back box.
The cable with two red cores (as well as the earth) on the right is probably going between this switch and the landing switch.
Other than that it does seem as if you may have one more cable than necessary in some situations but could be normal in others, but no way to tell without testing.
The lower switch in your picture would have been the original because the upper switch still has one of the fixing screws in the delivery position in the plate, however both switches do the same job, the terminal layout is just physically different.
 
It's worth adding to the photograph it suggestion, mark the cables (I use a Sharpie and just ring them, 1 ring, 2 rings etc.) before photographing.

And I would have whole heartedly shared Richard's view about which switch is new for the exact same reason, but I have just recently done a job where about 50% of the fittings already in place still had their screws in the delivery positions.
 
I love candles.
 
Ask him/her to fit a deeper box, while they are at it.
 
Hi Pauletta, always a danger of this happening when a lay person tries to just change a switch or socket, looks easy, your best option would be to get an Electrician in to rectify your attempt, shouldn't cost much may be an hours work, several members of the forum are from your area, maybe someone could drop by to help out, you never know.
 
Where any of these switchs
two way switch set-ups ?


You also mentioned other lights not working
is this correct ?
 
I imagine that Pauletta has fixed this, or had it fixed for her.
Or she's been in the dark for 3 weeks!

I wonder how it's going. Maybe @pauletta will drop us a note. I can't sleep for worrying.
 
It may be hard to access the internet if your sleeping in the dog house ?
 

Reply to why so many wires just for a light? in the DIY Electrical Advice area at ElectriciansForums.net

OFFICIAL SPONSORS

Electrical Goods - Electrical Tools - Brand Names Electrician Courses Green Electrical Goods PCB Way Electrical Goods - Electrical Tools - Brand Names Pushfit Wire Connectors Electric Underfloor Heating Electrician Courses
These Official Forum Sponsors May Provide Discounts to Regular Forum Members - If you would like to sponsor us then CLICK HERE and post a thread with who you are, and we'll send you some stats etc
This website was designed, optimised and is hosted by Untold Media. Operating under the name Untold Media since 2001.
Back
Top
AdBlock Detected

We get it, advertisements are annoying!

Sure, ad-blocking software does a great job at blocking ads, but it also blocks useful features of our website. For the best site experience please disable your AdBlocker.

I've Disabled AdBlock