Lightswitch wiring from 4 wires to 2 wires?

[StevenA]

Hi

I am trying to wire, what I thought was a simple, light switch. The problem is there are a lot of wires from the previous fitting going into a new one.

Can someone help me to sort out wiring for the new switch. I have attached two images one for the old wiring and one for the new one.

https://Upload the image directly to the thread.com/2qxRoCN

 

[Spoon]

I can't open the image.
It may need a mod to review it...

 

[Taylortwocities]

I am watching the thread too, waiting for images to be revealed!

 

[rsgaz]

Seeing as the OP is a new member, are you lot are eager! , here's the image he tried to link to... (I think Upload the image directly to the thread is not supported with html/bbcode)

https://i.Upload the image directly to the thread.com/2qxRoCN.jpg

 

[Charlie_]

‘Old ways are the best’

 

[DT1991]

What switch was in before OP.
If you got like for like then just ensure terminals are correct.
Also ensure your new accessory screw is not long , as that connector block is lined up perfectly to hit it.

 

[StevenA]

I'll try adding images on my own server:

Original

New One I want To Add

 

[telectrix]

totally wrong. original switch is double pole. new one is not compatible.

 

[davesparks]

The old switch is double pole, the new switch is single pole,so they are not a direct swap.

What does the switch control?

 

[StevenA]

The old switch is double pole, the new switch is single pole,so they are not a direct swap.

What does the switch control?

The switch controls the living room lights

 

[DT1991]

Could still work....

 

[Taylortwocities]

Ok. You will need a piece of insulated terminal block.
Put the twisted together black cables and the single black together in the terminal block.
Then the twisted reds in the common terminal on the switch. The single red in L1.
Then, and this is important, you must have a length of earth wire from the earth terminal on the switch to the earth wires in the back box.

 

[DT1991]

The most valuable advice I can give is Make sure the switch is right way up because it will look like it's off when it's on and that will proper p**s the misses off.

 

[Taylortwocities]

One can always turn the switch round!
Or (as you know) move the single red from L1 to L2.

 

[DT1991]

One can always turn the switch round!
Or (as you know) move the single red from L1 to L2.

Yeah both will do was just trying to be helpful to this chap.

 

[GeorgeCooke]

Surely one has to ask why a double pole switch was used initially?

 

[Taylortwocities]

Yes, why don't you ask then?

But, from the nature of the post from our new friend, the OP, I rather suspect that he will not have any idea why.
Maybe the installer had one spare on the van, or they were cheap on eBay. There's so many possibilities. But do ask him, or do you want my mum to ask for you?

 

[Rpa07]

You have it about you tonight TTC!
Want to talk about it?

Yes, why don't you ask then?

But, from the nature of the post from our new friend, the OP, I rather suspect that he will not have any idea why.
Maybe the installer had one spare on the van, or they were cheap on eBay. There's so many possibilities. But do ask him, or do you want my mum to ask for you?