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how do I sort out the wiring of a twin switch operating two separate lights?

One for inside ceiling light, one to outside light (works fine). Four cables coming out of wall, appear to be two pairs, going to back of switch. One pair of reds of which one is going to L, is that what is called com?, one to L1 (on outside light switch). Second pair of reds, one of which is going to L (on outside light switch also), the other going to L1 on other switch. Then an additional red wire from one L to the other. All four green/yellows to earth then additional wire from there to switch metal housing. All four blacks to a terminal block? At present the twin plus earth cable, at the ceiling, (checked with my meter) has no power across red and black. All of this only became a prob when I decided to change the original tracking light for a four spot bar because only one of the three spots worked and they were that old I couldn't find any to fit that tracking. Any help would be appreciated.
Liam R., November 2012
Find someone who is COMPETENT before you kill someone. On the other hand, if the risk is that yiu will only kill yourself, it may help improve the gene pool.

Darwin, December 2012
When single core cable is used. A system called looping is normally employed in light switches. So a red live feed connects to COM and links to any other COM terminals in a multi gang switch. This effectively feeds all the inputs to the switches. A live wire then exits the switch and feeds the next switch on the circuit. When a switch is turned on, live is switched to L1 or L2 or both in the case of a two way switching arrangement. Live from L1 or L2, in addition to the neutral and earth then run to the light/lights.

If you have no power at the ceiling, check at the switch with a meter whether you have power between neutral and the live which heads up to the ceiling. If you have got power, then there is either a break in the neutral or live.

See link: http://www.flameport.com/electric/lighting_circuits/lighting_loop_at_switch.cs4

Eugbug, December 2012
you had no need to touch the switch mate

mm, November 2012
may i ask,why did you bugger about with the light switch ?all you had to do was replace the light unit,a very simple job

mm, November 2012