how do i switch from an ancient switch to a new switch?

[dave colledge]

Hi All , I am trying to change a 2 gang light switch in an old house and i need some advice on how to wire the new switch so it matches the function of the old switch

 

[Fleeting]

The single red with the bare copper linking bar goes into Common.
You then want a link across to the other Common using a piece of insulated wire, similar to what you have but don't reuse the bare wire.
The other two go into each of the 1 WAY terminals so black in one and red the other in the same orientation as the old switch.

 

[ProDave]

The red wire on the old switch that goes to the 2 middle terminals and is presently strapped with a bit of bare wire, goes to both "COMMON" terminals on the new switch, but don't re use that bit of bare wire, use a new bit of red or brown insulated wire. It is important you mark this particular red cable in some way as it has a very different function to the other 2.

The other red and black wires each go into one of the "1 way" terminals of your new switch.

EDIT: @Fleeting is a quicker typist than me.

 

[Geoff1946]

Take care with the plate screws. Depending on age, the back box may be BA threads, screws supplied with your new switch will be metric. Mixing them can lead to disappointment.

 

[ProDave]

Take care with the plate screws. Depending on age, the back box may be BA threads, screws supplied with your new switch will be metric. Mixing them can lead to disappointment.

If the old ones are not rusted away and are presentable, re use them.

 

[Fleeting]

Looks like the remains of a wooden back box so maybe not as straightforward as originally thought especially if the switch is metal as there is almost certainly no cpcs.

 

[ProDave]

Looks like the remains of a wooden back box so maybe not as straightforward as originally thought especially if the switch is metal as there is almost certainly no cpcs.

Well spotted. I was too blinkered looking only at the switch pondering that I had never seen a bare jumper wire before.

 

[Fleeting]

Didn't notice myself initially.

 

[dave colledge]

Thank you very much for all the speedy replies