Changing my Intermediate Light Switch in bathroom

It looks to me as if it might be a 2 way switch (which can be used as a 1 way switch) and a spare terminal that some makes of switches have these days. That would explain the four terminals (unless it is actually double pole). Often 2 way switches are marked com, L1, L2 for two way switching then ether L1 or L2 be used if it`s only to be used as a 1 way) but sometimes a manufacturer might name the L1, L2 and L3 instead of Com, L1 and L2 just to confuse things . If another one says SP (spare) that could explain it and I think that is what EFLImpudance might be thinking.

Yes the apparent lack of earths seem strange but they might, perversely be connected above the back of the switch.

I suggest getting a pro in (I would have refused to pay someone £150 to tell that they do not know what they are doing - If I were to have done that I could have retired many years ago).
 
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Yes when I took it off that was the back of it. Again tried looking for it only but couldn't find the exact one.
 

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ebee said:
It looks to me as if it might be a 2 way switch (which can be used as a 1 way switch) and a spare terminal that some makes of switches have these days. That would explain the four terminals (unless it is actually double pole). Often 2 way switches are marked com, L1, L2 for two way switching then ether L1 or L2 be used if it`s only to be used as a 1 way) but sometimes a manufacturer might name the L1, L2 and L3 instead of Com, L1 and L2 just to confuse things . If another one says SP (spare) that could explain it and I think that is what EFLImpudance might be thinking.

Yes the apparent lack of earths seem strange but they might, perversely be connected above the back of the switch.

I suggest getting a pro in (I would have refused to pay someone £150 to tell that they do not know what they are doing - If I were to have done that I could have retired many years ago).
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I think I saw the earths tucked away in the sealing when I took it fully off
 
Ah - it is Double Pole.


What about fitting the new switch?

Mark the two single browns so they don't get mixed up.

Then, in the new switch fit the three browns in L-in and one of the single browns in L-out.
Safely terminate the other two wires for the time being.

Also pull the earths down and join in the earth terminal

Do any lights work?
 
Strangest double pole switch I have ever seen with those terminal markings. Testing required me thinks ! If one of those single brown wires is a neutral I wouldnt advise connecting it to L out !!
 
Hi yes went to screw fix to buy a voltage detector pen so will check the wires now and report back
 
Ahh right by "singles" you meant the two terminals each having one (brown) conductor present. I was thinking in terms of T & E , S & E or again without earths, that`s what confused me, I thought you might be seeing a bit of a sheath or two where I could not.
 
I didn't say "singles"; I said 'the two single browns' - but what difference would it have made if they were what you thought I meant?.
 
So I can't properly test the wires. As soon as I get close to the switch it goes off so can't determine which ones are live
 
So I can't properly test the wires. As soon as I get close to the switch it goes off so can't determine which ones are live
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Use your multimeter .And drop the switch from the ceiling and show us a pic of any / all other wires that are within the ceiling.
Is the switch stuck on or off ?
 
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terryplumb said:
Use your multimeter .And drop the switch from the ceiling and show us a pic of any / all other wires that are within the ceiling.
Is the switch stuck on or off ?
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I'm not sure which setting to choose on the multi meter and how to use it so guess I have to find someone who can come around and fix it. At the moment after I took the switch off and looked inside the lights are now permanently on
 
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