lightingswitchwiring
I'm new to this kind of DIY stuff and I need help with the wiring of this light switch.
The old light switch (left picture) has L1, L2, Common in both sides.
On the new switch (right picture), it has an L1^1, L1, L2^1.
As you can see, the old switch has 3 wires, and 1 bridging(?) wire.
I've highlighted which is the off side and on side on the old one, but I can't figure out where to put these wires properly on the new switch.
Any and all help will be greatly appreciated!! Thank you
This is the schematic for wiring a pair of 2 way light switches: That means that two switches control one light and either switch can turn the light on or off.
Typically the L1/L2 wires are both red, or one is black and the other red. In no case should either of those be white.
Since the setup now is two switches to control each light (what is known as a three-way switch) the new switches need to be the same type. A simple switch that is not a "three way switch" (they will be so labeled) won't replace those.
Return the simple switches and buy 3-way switches - then it will be easy to proceed.
Best Answer
The old switch
Strictly speaking, you need to find out what those three wires are connected to. If I had to guess, though, I'd feel quite confident that the wires are as labeled here:
The bridging wire (called a "jumper" in my world) tells the tale. The power supply is the only wire that would be connected to both switches, and thus to two terminals, and thus need a jumper.
The previous sparkmonkey's choice of terminals gives one pause, but the circuit works. The gauge of the jumper is too small; it should match the load wires. And you should check that your local code allows two wires to be crushed into one terminal.
The New Switch
You should consult the documentation that came with the switch; there should be a diagram showing the purpose of each terminal. If I had to guess, though, I'd feel quite confident that the terminals are apportioned to the switches like this:
L1 is switched between L11 and L12. L2 is switched between L21 and L22.
You must connect the power wire to L1 and L2.
If you are allowed to connect two wires to one terminal, then use one jumper. Make the jumper from wire of the same gauge as the load wires. Connect the power wire and one end of the jumper to L1, and the other end of the jumper to L2.
If your electrical code forbids two wires on one terminal, then use two jumpers and a wire connector (ie. wire-nut, Marrette, Wago, etc). Connect one jumper to L1, and the other jumper to L2, then use the wire-nut to connect the free ends of the jumpers to the power wire.
In any case, connect Load 1 wire to L12 and Load 2 wire to L22.
If this does not work, the one of my guesses is wrong, and you have some diagnostic work to do. In that case post a follow-up comment and I (or someone here) will guide you through the testing process.