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    shellM8's Avatar
    shellM8 Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Jun 20, 2008, 07:24 AM
    Light switch
    I've just bought a single light switch 2 way for my daughters bedroom I've fitted theses easily downstairs but there's no earth wire in the bedrooms can any one tell me how 2 rectify this problem this a metal fronted switch there's only 3 red wires in the box I thought there should be different colours please help
    WallyHelps's Avatar
    WallyHelps Posts: 1,018, Reputation: 136
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    #2

    Jun 20, 2008, 07:39 AM
    The key is to see how the old switch is connected.
    Just move the wires to the corresponding screw on the new switch.
    If you can attach a photo, that might help us help you.

    Best of luck,
    WallyH
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
    Printers & Electronics Expert
    		  
    #3

    Jun 20, 2008, 12:13 PM
    If you are using a single pole snap switch (On/Off), it really does not matter which screw you use.

    I personally choose to use the lower connector screw as the supply IN and the Upper connector screw as the feed out to the load. I also never use the backstab hole because they can lead to unstable connection points.
    hkstroud's Avatar
    hkstroud Posts: 11,929, Reputation: 899
    Home Improvement & Construction Expert
    		  
    #4

    Jun 20, 2008, 01:31 PM
    I am assuming you are located in England, Ireland or Europe. I do not know the code or the wiring practices there. The earth, or ground as we in the US call it, is a personnel safety device and is not part of the functional aspects of wiring. Here in the US we are not required to use it if the existing wiring does not include a earth or ground. This poses very little hazard if the device is inside a structure and people are not in contact with the ground. Here it is permissible to simply ignore the earth or ground in such a situation. As previously stated, I do not know the code or practices there, if you are uncomfortable with this you may want to exchange the switch with one that has a plastic or other non-conducting front or cover plate.
    WallyHelps's Avatar
    WallyHelps Posts: 1,018, Reputation: 136
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #5

    Jun 21, 2008, 08:30 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by shellM8
    shellM8 agrees: ur spot on but ive got another prob i had aflood in my bathroom at the same time as installing switch now all my lighting downstairs has tripped can't get it back on im in darkness is this due to maybe wet wires thats why its tripping or the socket
    Oh my! Unless you had a LOT of water, I would think it unlikely that the flood would be the cause of this problem.

    I'm assuming the bathroom is above your daughter's room? Perhaps there is a wiring problem with the new switch. I'd disconnect one of the wires (and keep it safely away from everything) and see if the power can be restored. That would indicate the wiring isn't quite right.

    Good luck,
    WallyH
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