6

I have two light bulbs controlled by three light switches. I replaced two of them a while ago (can't remember what the wiring looks like) with no problems. However, I encountered the following issue when attempting to replace the third light switch. The diagram belows shows the old one on left - the new one, to be installed, on the right :

Wiring diagram of light switches, current on left new one to be installed on right

Any advice on how to wire up the new switch ? The red lines show a connection outside of light switch and earth I have not included, it is also outside of switch.

The two lights themselves are both either turned on or off, ie I can can turn both on at one end of hallway and then walk along to other end (or the middle) and turn both off - they work as intended. But I have no idea how to wire up the new switch, is it even the right type of switch ?

Improve this question
1

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
6

That's a 4 way switch, not a 3 way switch (your replacement device is a 3 way). That switch is in the middle of the chain, and you need to replace it with another 4 way switch.

I found a tutorial on 4 way wiring here: http://www.wfu.edu/~matthews/courses/p230/switches/SwitchesTut.html

Improve this answer
5
  • +1 for the same answer, I was even going to use the same link!
    – BMitch ♦
    Dec 12, 2011 at 12:28
  • my replacement device is called a 2-way on the box, the com hole is for common wires (the two reds) ?
    – NimChimpsky
    Dec 12, 2011 at 12:29
  • 1
    in fact, I can't see a 4 way light switch advertised anywhere (the high street uk diy superstores)
    – NimChimpsky
    Dec 12, 2011 at 13:09
  • 3
    @NimChimpsky In the UK they may be called 3-way switches. Either way the switch you need will have 4 terminals (+ground), not 3.
    – Tester101
    Dec 12, 2011 at 13:19
  • Right, as Owain's answer says, in the U.K. they're 2-way and intermediate, and the red, blue and yellow wires in the OP's diagram, plus the L1, L2 labels were a giveaway that the OP is in the U.K., or India. :)
    – Craig Tullis
    Sep 25, 2016 at 5:38
5

In the UK a 2-way switch is used for switching a light from 2 places. It is called 2-way because there the Common terminal is switched to one of two L terminals.

The middle switches with 4 terminals are called 'intermediate' in the UK.

eg http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MKK4875.html

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.