Morning all,
Can I check the collectives brain please about rewiring this double light switch please?
The existing switch is white plastic with a mixed bag of wiring as you'll see from the photo below so am I right thinking it goes as follows?
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A - common red/live
B - common red/live
A1 - live black with red sleeving
B2 - live blue with red sleeving
B1 - Earth
The new socket has a different configuration of terminals so am I right in thinking that it would be as follows?
[url= https://i.postimg.cc/3RrmFg92/20260102_121728.jp g" target="_blank">https://i.postimg.cc/3RrmFg92/20260102_121728.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
Common to common top and bottom
A1 to L1 on the right side of the photo
B2 to L2 on the left side of the photo
Earth to earth
Apologies if it's somewhat convoluted and hopefully that all makes sense.
Almost. On the old switch,kKeep A to one switch, B to the other. The yellow is not earth, it is L1 on the new switch, with blue in L2 on the same switch. Its a 2 way switch. I cant see an earth wire there, that new switch needs an earth connection, as it’s metal.
I realise I've put the wrong diagram under the new socket which will be my night shift brain not braining
It is so would I just have to undo this and use the terminal on the new switch instead?
Both should be connected.
Best would be connecting directly to the switch and then a link back to the metal box, but practicality might dictate a new link from box to switch
I take it this principle would be the same for both light switches and plug sockets as I am replacing them all in the house.
If so do I just pop into somewhere like Screwfix and ask for a length of household earth cable?
Much as I generally approve of people learning to do a bit of DIY, this is one of those cases where I say " if you have to ask, you should really get an electrician to do it".
I'm not being harsh, for context I do my own wiring jobs, but in other people's houses , unless it's an absolute like for like replacement, I always use a qualified electrician.
And furthermore, I don't think the picture above is clear enough to allow safe advice.
And having gone back to read the thread again, a lot of old houses didn't have a fully earthed lighting circuit, which might explain why there doesn't seem to be an earth (CPC) wire.
Not harsh at all and I must admit I'm thinking along similar lines. As much as I enjoy doing my own work, there is also a time when it's best to hand it over to someone better equipped and more knowledgeable.
" if you have to ask, you should really get an electrician to do it".
Laudable, of course, but would a sparky actually be bothered to come out for such a small job...🤔
I take it this principle would be the same for both light switches and plug sockets as I am replacing them all in the house.
If so do I just pop into somewhere like Screwfix and ask for a length of household earth cable?
No, in the interests of ease for a single light switch with a grim looking metal box that "should" ^^ was safe advice.
For a bigger job you want more detail, caveat; I'm 10 years out of date, so get more up to date advice.
If the metal switch/socket/box can be touched then it needs connecting into the CPC (earth), so the metal switch always needs an earth and the box will if it isn't buried.
The metal screws holding the switch also contact the back box, however, if the threaded tabs on the metal back box are fixed, i.e. manufactured as a pressed part of the box then the earth for the switch plate will also cover the buried box. Most boxes now have at least one fixed tab, I couldn't see yours in the image.
Plug sockets by default have the earth connection on the bit that you touch, whether it's plastic or metal. You'll have to look at the back box to decide if anything more is needed.
Plasterboard boxes have loose tabs, but they're plastic so don't need an earth.
Yes, you can buy "household earth cable". Ask for green/yellow single core cable.
1.5mm is a good all-rounder for domestic ring and lighting, rather than buying two sizes, but get advice for other arrangements
If the metal switch/socket/box can be touched then it needs connecting into the CPC (earth), so the metal switch always needs an earth and the box will if it isn't buried.
Things have moved on. iirc, it was the 17th edition, that brought in that metal back boxes no longer have to be earthed, IF the accessory is earthed, and has at least one metal fixed lug. So no need for earthing fly leads for the majority of back boxes.
Double light switch may be fed from a circuit other than the one you think. What's you plan for isolation and proving dead before you start touching anything?
Double light switch may be fed from a circuit other than the one you think. What's you plan for isolation and proving dead before you start touching anything?
Licking it is always a good test
Licking it is always a good test
That advice has caused me all sorts of trouble.....
UPDATE: Thank you all for you thoughts.
On balance, I have decided to get someone in as there are a dozen switches and sockets that need replacing and would rather limit the opportunity to unalive myself to something more fun then a light switch.
... unalive myself to something more fun then a light switch....
i get a chance to play my fislrst ever,
User name checks out.
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