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Mend Switches and Sockets

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How do I fit a double dimmer switch?

I have purchased a brass double dimmer switch and have wired the red wire to C (Common) and the blue wire to L1. There is also another red wire that is connected to the original red wire and I do not know where to connect this to so that both the wall lights and ceilng light can be turned on and off independantly by each dimmer switch. At present only the ceiling light works. I think this is because I do not know where to connect the other braced red wire to - i.e. should it go to C L1 or L2?

Neil
June 2008

D.I.Y, Switches and Sockets Switch Wired Red

my replacement switch doesn't show a C like you say it only shows L so how am I to know where C is.

FRANK DYAS
February 2010

Attempting repairs can be dangerous....that said !
Are you are replacing a double switch with a double dimmer switch ? If you are then you should have a minimum of three wires at the switch point ,one (live phase)to go to C on one switch, one to go to L1 on switch 1 and one to go to L1 on switch 2. The C on one switch should also be looped to the C on the other . From your discription it looks like the two reds connected together are connecting a live to another lighting circuit.
Stay safe and do not work on a "live" circuit...

john
June 2008

Attempting repairs can be dangerous.
In many instances work should only be undertaken by a qualified professional.

I am a qualified electrician and can be contacted on 07747 571292 Warwickshire.

Have you blown up your fuseboard yet? If you carry on you will. Your home insurance will not pay out if you burn your house down and you sound as though you are well on the way to doing that.

Dont risk it!

paul
June 2008