please can someone help I have had a broken switch for a while and tried to change it but am stuck!
I have one single switch in the room (the broken one!)and one double that does the same light and the back garden light.

I have bought a 2 way switch, but in the box there are loads of wires! - 2 x red, 1 x green/yellow, 1 x blue, 1 x black with red sleeve and 1 x yellow with red sleeve.

Since i tried to change it my other switch does not work and the only way to switch the lights off is by the trip switch! Can anyone please please help???

Thanks

Sarah xx

sarah finnigan, December 2007

If you E mail me I can assist
kevin827@btinternet.com

geordiejumper, December 2007

green/yellow =ground.
blue=runner
blk/red=power
yellow/red=neutral
2 reds wire nut together?
normal wiring pattern. should label wires at removal of old parts. do u have another switch of same type.might check wires at that switch should b same. lots of wiring patterns used by various contractors. meter works well to aid in rewiring problems if u know how to use it. get help from pro.might check-www.how it works.net.

ck, December 2007

Ther is probably nothing wrong with the switch or wires, you have mixed up the wires that switch the light on. The wires with red sleeves are used by the switch and can become live.
ON NO ACCOUNT MIX THESE UP WITH THE OTHER WIRES as you could trip all your lights,and get a bang from the switch.
You need to get an electrician to determine which wires are live using a test meter, and sort out the switch wires

Mick, December 2007

There are numerous ways to wire a light, and until someone with a qualification who knows what to look for, you could be there for days.

It could be something as simple as a broken switch mech, but from your discription, it sounds like theres more to it. It could even be damaged cables and need a re-wire.

Im an electrical apprentice and although i can get a basic idea of what is wrong and what to look for from your discription, It is very dangerous you yourself doing the work.

Electric shocks can, and nearly always are, pretty nasty.
Your life is worth more than a call out fee for an electrician

Jake, December 2007