Two way switching

RedTen

RedTen

RedTen

Associate
Joined
23 Jun 2007
Posts
552
Location
South East
I've fitted a second switch in my garage so that I turn the lights off from either end of the room, however, one of the switches isn't able to turn the lights on - only off.

I followed the diagram here and I've double-checked everything is wired per the plan but I can't work it out.

Switch 1 (that only has 3 core and earth) can switch the lights on and off.

Switch 2 (that has the twin and earth as well as the 3 core) can switch the lights off if switch 1 turned them on. It can't turn them on.

Any ideas on what to check?!
 
Yeah, I’ve just tried another known working switch to double check and I get the same results. Really odd.
 
Here's a quick diagram showing what I've done - any obvious issues?

Note - the junction boxes are drawn like ceiling roses as it was the easiest reference. In reality, these are terminated using wago connectors in schneider junction boxes.

The issue is at point switch '1' on the 3-gang. It will turn the lights on and off only if switch '1' on the 2 gang is on.

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If you have a multimeter check the continuity of both of the 3 cores cables disconnected to make sure they aren't damaged or broken inside the insulation or along the route.

Brown-Black
Brown-Grey

Should get a reading of 0.1 - 1Ω depending on the length of run.

Also double check that the 3c cable going into switch 1 is also the same cable going into switch 1 at the other end
 
If you've got some spare cable you could always wire the switchs direct to the light fitting and check it works. Then move back one switch/cable at a time checking operation in between each move.

Bit long winded but you'll find the point when it doesn't work.
 
I don't know if this is any help, this is 1 + 3 way lighting that I did at college, the middle of the 3 switches is an intermediate switch, but I'm sure you wouldn't need that with only 2 switches

 
Thanks guys - I think you've helped me to sort it. I recreated the switching circuit on a small scale (30cm between them) then wired directly to the junction box and it all works as needed.

I assume the 3 core is damaged or at fault somewhere - I'll trace it back and/or replace.

At least I know the circuit/wiring was correct!
 
If it's wired according to your illustration, it's definitely correct.

I think there may be a junction somewhere, where the 3 core isn't wired the same. e.g. your common has been swapped.
 
Diagram is correct. If using twin in to a Wago I would put money on a core being snapped just where you've terminated it and presumably folded the wage over and in to the junction box.
 
I managed to sort it after replacing the 3C+E. I also cut and re terminated the end of the twin into the wagos so it may well have been an issue there.

Either way, resolved after much frustration! Thanks for all of the suggestions and for confirming that the diagram was correct. I was going mad thinking I'd done something obviously wrong and couldn't spot it.
 
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