Two way switching

[Eartheo]

The bungalow my sister has moved in has two light switches for two way switching. It has downlighters installed but the lights only work when one of the switches is switched on and then the other one is switched then the lights come on. Switching on only works from that switch, if the other switch is switched they go off but will then not switch on at the switch that worked before. Hope you can understand what I have put.

 

[Deleted account]

Makes sense. Very common issue. one of the legs has probably popped out. Easy to rectify. Any sparky should be able to sort that in no time.

that is if I’m right with my diagnosis, but I probably am.

 

[Timbo]

On the other hand, it might be that the switches are in series....

 

[Trufflepig]

As above, sounds like either a bad connection or was wired up wrong in the first place. Any sparky should sort that in no time.
Good luck

 

[Eartheo]

Thanks everyone

 

[James]

I have known switches to fail in that way before also.

 

[Eartheo]

I have known switches to fail in that way before also.

Thanks

 

[littlespark]

@Eartheo Can we ask your competence in DIY jobs like this?
As professionals we usually suggest getting someone in, won’t take 10 minutes to find a loose connection or broken conductor.

If you decide to have a look yourself, then please ensure you turn off the electric

 

[Eartheo]

@Eartheo Can we ask your competence in DIY jobs like this?
As professionals we usually suggest getting someone in, won’t take 10 minutes to find a loose connection or broken conductor.

If you decide to have a look yourself, then please ensure you turn off the electric

I was a maintenance engineer for 50 years before I retired but two way switching was never something that cropped up hence contacting your forum.

 

[telectrix]

I was a maintenance engineer for 50 years before I retired but two way switching was never something that cropped up hence contacting your forum.

post a pic of the wiring at both switches if there's nothing obvious.

 

[Eartheo]

post a pic of the wiring at both switches if there's nothing obvious.

Ok