Two way switching

RedTen · 14 Nov 2020 at 15:27

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?!

RedTen · 14 Nov 2020 at 17:20

ozaudio said:
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=2...ECBUQAw&biw=1920&bih=969#imgrc=Ck5EXfen_R9FqM

i think at college we learned about 2 way switching within a few days of starting, pretty easy

I’ve also tried wiring it that way but have exactly the same result.

RedTen · 15 Nov 2020 at 10:39

Yeah, I’ve just tried another known working switch to double check and I get the same results. Really odd.

RedTen · 15 Nov 2020 at 11:58

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.

RedTen · 15 Nov 2020 at 13:19

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!

RedTen · 15 Nov 2020 at 18:28

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.