Double switch wiring problem

[Ptaylor512]

Hiya all!!! I have the following issue :

I have removed my living room double light dimmer switch and I( think) I have replaced the wires into the correspondening holes on a new double switch. (4 red wires 1 into each L1, one into each Com as well as a bridge between the Coms). However - this now does not work the lights independently. One switch works both lights the other switch doesn't do anything. Also, if the light switch isn't turned on in the living room the lights in both the dining room and downstairs hallway will not come on at all! The wires come into the wall bracket from above the plate so I can't check which red wire comes from which main wire. 

Amy help will be greatly appreciated. 

Cheers 

 

[kerching]

Did you mark up the wires on the old switch and take a pic?

what were terminal s marked as on old switch and new switch?

different manufacturers use different methods

one may be C,  L1, L2.  Another 1,2,3. Another L1, L2, ~

 

[SPECIAL LOCATION]

The four red wires you have are:-

1x Permanent live supply from fuse box.

1x Permanent live supply loop out to the rest of the lights on the circuit..

{Both of the above should be joined together along with the strap wire connecting the two "Com" connections at the two switches}

1x Switched live to one of the light fittings.

1x Switched live to the other light fitting.

{Both of these go onto your two "L1" connections}

It sounds to me as though you have the permanent live from the fuse box coming onto one of the "L1" connections..

Do you have a tester that can identify a live wire?

If yes, then you could then use a temporary connecter to join each of the other three wires in turn to the identified permanent live wire..

this would allow you to identify which wire supplies each of the light fittings and which one is the supply to the rest of the circuit..

But just taking a stab in the dark, if you swap your "COM" and "L1" wires at each switch that could give you the symptoms you described.

But the best solution is to use a proper voltage tester.

Guinness