How to wire a 1 way light switch. One way lighting explained.

How to wire a one way lighting circuit - In this tutorial I show how to wire a one way light switch, I show how a 1 way and 2 way light switch works, I explain how to wire a ceiling rose, how to get the cable to the switch and explain how a lighting circuit works.
All domestic electrical work in the UK must meet the requirements of the Part P regulations
#1waylightswitch #howtowirealightswitch #lightswitchwiring
For the products used in this video click here:
1 gang 1 way light switch - amzn.to/38sJNLv
1.5mm twin and earth cable - amzn.to/3atLObW
2mm earth sleeve (10meters) - amzn.to/36aIj71
Insulation tape (all colours) - amzn.to/2R8lIDR
For more electrical videos please watch my other videos by clicking on the following links:
How to fit a ceiling light. Lighting circuits explained. Replace and install a light fitting. - • How to fit & wire a ce...
How to wire a 2 way light. 2 way lighting explained - • How to wire a 2 way li...
How to install LED downlighters PART 2 -
• How to install downlig...
Wago 222 connectors review and demo - • WAGO 222 connectors re...
Wago 773 connectors review and demo - • WAGO 773 connectors re...
How to fit a bathroom extractor fan using a light switch - • How to fit a bathroom ...
The Amazon links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
For more DIY, HOW TO, HOUSEHOLD TIPS and PRODUCT REVIEW, please subscribe to POUSE around the HOUSE.
Thanks for watching!

[@BernardCastle]

Excellent, thank you. I've delayed the job a day while I wait for some copper wire and earth sleeve to arrive from Amazon. Going from a plastic switch to a metal one, this video made it clear that I need to earth the metal switch, which I hadn't thought about.

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

Best of luck.

[@boeingpete]

Clear and concisely explained and pleased to see you included colour coding for Switched Live wire. Brilliant.

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

Thanks for the feedback Peter.

[@jetpropelled9024]

Thank you so much for this. I have a water pump in my campervan that someone else fitted - badly! It suddenly stopped working but I was pretty sure it was just a loose connection. I was able to follow your instructions/diagram, replacing pump for light, and there’s no earth, with hugely satisfying success. The pump and switch are now working. Thank you!

[@popadok1]

I don’t think you could have explained that any easier, just what I was looking for thank you. 🙏

[@1637inc]

Mate! Cheers for that! Has saved me a LOT of grief! Thanks again!!!!!!!!

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

No problem. Thanks for watching.

[@geofffitchett1147]

This was useful and very clearly explained, easy to understand. Next I'm hunting for wiring a double light switch to two separate lights

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@oli230]

Not knowing anything about this topic i turned the playback speed to half speed listened to it several times and I understood it. Thank you very much for making this video.

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

No problem. The beauty of a video tutorial!

[@mohammadawan3777]

Clear and concise. Brilliant, thank you.

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

Glad it was helpful!

[@samboella]

Perfect! Easy to follow explanation 👍🏼 I assumed I needed to earth new metal switches but needed confirmation. Thanks for the vid 😊

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

No problem 👍

[@Joe-lb8qn]

Thank you i needed to wire a 2-way switch as a one way and google lead me here and it worked a treat. I had "guessed" which way it should go by seeing which terminals were connected on the old dimmer switch also two way but all terminals on top, but good to get clarification!

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

Glad I could help

[@jackjohn8620]

Huge thanks. I couldn't have done it without you

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

Glad to help.

[@deanflynn9803]

Best video on how to wire a light switch that I have seen so far

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

Thanks Dean, glad it was helpful.

[@StephenGoddard-MiisterSpiice]

A gentleman and a scholar nice video just what i wanted.

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

Thanks for the feedback, glad to have helped.

[@edmundsmiscenko666]

Omg it works for me you did something i wouldnt figure out it cheers good luck man :)

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@JJ2023.]

Thank you , light switch in the hall broke , saved me from having to hire an electrician. 🙂

[@5e34nut]

VERY WELL PRESENTED AND EXPLAINED SIR, just remind the folks that on a metal back box you need and plastic grommet on where the wires come thru. Loving your videos you need more subscribers

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

Thanks for the feedback and thanks for watching!

[@simonssunuwar4052]

Thank you for sharing knowledge!

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

My pleasure!

[@DP-bo4yw]

Good explanation. Thank you.

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

No problem.

[@willjohnson702]

Thank you. Really clear explanation

[@jetpropelled9024]

It would be great if you shared a video for a simple unearthed switch (for a water pump or other simple circuit - no loop off to other lights) such as my situation. That’s what I was looking for and didn’t find. This helped but I was a bit nervous because it was a little different. Thanks anyway.

[@b7305]

Hello, I won’t list just how much your channel has helped me with renovating my new (well new to me lol) home. But having done a lot of rewiring with so much help from your channel I’ve now made my way downstairs and I’ve come across something that I feel like a monkey scratching his head! Don’t know if I’m able to upload a picture with this but will try however if not so in my utility room there’s like a sealed wall light something you will get in the bathroom instead of it being on the ceiling it’s on the side of the concrete wall when I’ve opened it up to replace the bulb and seen the wiring I spent the last 24 hours trying to work it out in my mind why is it that every ceiling rose downstairs has no connection in the loop terminal the house was originally built in the 1960s and it still got the old wiring in at the ceiling rose it’s the old 1 red for a live 2 black in the neutral on the Earth there’s absolutely nothing in the loop as somebody has cut the back of this light fitting and put a ceiling rose fitting in the back and if I could work the wiring out I’d probably just swap it for Wego connectors. I wanted to add another light in the bottom end of my utility area and I thought I’ll be able to just take a straight feed from this one to the bottom end of my utility area and put a light and a light switch instead I just can’t work out for the life of me how old this is working purely with no loop being used in any of them and then my pretty new consumer unit there’s only one circuit breaker to control the lighting. Any help you could give would be very much appreciated. Kind regards. (And please keep up the fantastic channel)

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

Thanks for the feedback. In all honesty without looking I can't really say, but it could be that the loop is in the switch and not the ceiling rose as this is another way to do it. Or there could be junction boxes in the ceiling? That's where sometimes it's best to call am electrician who ca test the wiring and work it out, or tear the house to pieces! Sorry if no help but best of luck with it.

[@ohcrikey9560]

Very useful. Thanks man. 👍

[@ratchriat1716]

you mad it simple and easy nice one.

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

Thanks again for watching Ratch.

[@raymondong5452]

POUSE around the HOUSE k

[@stsfnaf.613]

Very nice explanation thanks

[@yutpx]

You have a natural way for describing how to do things, but on the electrics, perhaps a little slower as it's more difficult to absorb, digest and feel confident to do the job.

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

Fair point, but I always assume as it's a vid you can just pause and rewatch if required. I try to keep them short and to the point as it can be frustrating watching someone tighten a screw for 2 minutes while they breath heavily! Thanks for the feedback.

[@ElliottRodgers]

Just what I needed. Thanks.

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

No problem.

[@stephenpeacock2627]

Always find it confusing that the neutral blue wire becomes the switched live and is connected to the light. Just wired up a light in an under stairs cupboard that’s fed from a junction box and feed in the garages lighting that I’ve installed. Used wago connectors for the first time too, just been using the old fashioned Lego bricks which are great....but why didn’t I find the wagos sooner, saves a lot of time but you have to check they have gripped, just don’t trust them yet, but they are a lot quicker especially if doing ceiling lighting work. Had to get a 0.5 metre drill bit to drill into the garage lol. Will finish the garage side of the wiring tomorrow, then label up, especially the live switched blue neutral cable which needs a brown sticker. Will put a dyno label on the junction box and light switch too.

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

Sounds good! In the video I word it wrong really. It's not a neutral, it's a blue coloured wire. Blue is typically used for neutral but when used as live just colour sleeve or tape it brown. Best of luck!

[@ramlijohn]

awesome video... did all my light switches out after watching this... Just a question... Since i got many left over "old "switches, Can i use them as an "on off " Switch for my appliances? E.g speakers , Fan...

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

Hi Naz, glad the video helped you out. As for the old switches, in brief, no they are not suitable for other appliances. Light switches are designed and rated for lighting circuits. So for turning your extractor fan on and off it would be fine, as an extractor fan is often run off a lighting circuit, and is therefore protected with a 6amp MCB (fuse). But that's about the only thing you can use it for. Most appliances are either run from a ring main using a fused spur, or run on their own circuit and will require an isolation switch like an oven or shower. The important thing to remember is that the switch you use is appropriate for the appliance, and importantly it is rated at the correct amps for the circuit it is on. If it is under rated it could be dangerous and cause an electrical fire at worst. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching!

[@josiahbomford7612]

Very Helpful Got Issue Fixed :)

[@davidfrederickyelland9233]

Thanks for this. I am looking to install 12 low voltage spotlights in the kitchen. The existing fixture with 6 spots uses more voltage than these new lights. What I'm looking for is a wiring diagram for the 12 lights running off 1 switch hopefully without a ceiling rose from hell. Any help would be great thanks!

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

You could try my electrical playlist - kzbin.info/www/bejne/epvXc2mFo8-poqc. Maybe something there that will help.

[@bigsteve6729]

How do they use more voltage it's all standard 240v I think you're confused best to pay someone before you burn the gaff down

[@jubayer_9985]

Thanks bro really helpful.

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

No problem.

[@wmursai]

I really understand wire colors 👍

[@robertbowen2075]

I'm adding a new light to a room downstairs, this will be a terminal light with no loop out. Can I run the loop in from any other light downstairs or do I need to find the current terminal light? What I mean is, can another ceiling light have more than 1 loop out or should it only be 1 per light?

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

It's best practice to to keep light one room and onto the next. That said, if you are adding another light to be used from the same switch as another light (several lights operated from one switch) then that's common practice. Also, in reality from a safety point of view it's fine as it's unlikely you will overload a cable, especially as most lights are LED these days. It can cause a problem if someone is testing the circuit as the impedance should change as you go from the consumer unit to the last light in the circuit. Hope that helps. If in doubt call an electrician for advise and ensure the wiring is safe.

[@robertbowen2075]

@@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE Thanks, I added the light in off a new switch and it worked perfectly first time. Thanks for the help!

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

@@robertbowen2075 nice one!

[@craigfishcake2543]

Excellent

[@davidbell525]

I have put a light fitting in my ceiling, which has three connectors in the back for the wire's, E,N & L. I have a cable coming from the live feed, E,N & L, and a cable from the switch, E,N & L also. How do I connect the two set's of wire's into the three light fitting connectors to turn the light on and off from the switch please?

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

Hi David, I have made another video that tells you how to do this called - How to fit a ceiling light. Lighting circuits explained. Replace and install a light fitting. - kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4KkpGiwppJmaMU. You basically need a junction box in the ceiling to replace your old ceiling rose. In my example there is a loop in, loop out and a switch cable. Just ignore the loop out cable and copy the rest. Give it a watch and it should all make sense. Hope that helps. Good luck and thanks for watching!

[@user-tr6oe9hc6k]

Thank you

[@neiltrevatt]

As they are both live wires it doesn’t matter which way they go com or L1 what does matter is the switch is up correct way.when I use a 2 way switch I always put the feed in L1 and switchline in com that way L2 doesn’t become live when switch is in off position

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

With one way switching as you say it doesn't matter, you just may need to turn the switch around. Thanks for watching.

[@kevincollins7180]

love your videos you make it so simple to understand, but i have two lights on two individual switches and want to connect them both to a 2gang one way switch, do i connect incomming live to common the link the other common then just connect the live and neutral to L1/L2 for each light switch

[@explorewithant8263]

I’ve got a broken switch in the bedroom,,I’ve been to Screwfix for a new switch and it 1 and a 2 and a com on the new switch but on my old switch,,it has L1 L2 L3,the red wire is in L1 and the black wire is in L2,,where would I put them on my new switch,,cheers pal

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

Hi Bond, I assume the Com is at the top? Put the red into Com and the black into 1. Thanks for watching!

[@andyphillips8571]

I’m struggling with a new fluorescent tube that I’ve just fitted to replace an existing bulb in my garage. The wire from the switch was twin and earth, both of which were RED. I’ve replaced this wire with regular twin and earth. The power supply is still from the same source which is a junction box in the lighting circuit. The problem I’m having is that when I put the power on, the light works straight away. When I go to switch it off at the switch it trips out the switch in the box.

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

So where have you changed the wiring? At the switch, or the junction box? I'm assuming it is wired in the junction box like a 'loop in' arrangement? All I can suggest is to watch some of my lighting tutorials (found in my playlists) and see if that helps at all. Sounds like you've rewired something the wrong way round. Thanks for watching!

[@OA1998.]

I have a switch with 4 gang switch.... I need one switch to work for the back lights and another for the front lights... then I need one switch for the kitchen and then one for outside lights. How do I wire this up.

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

Hi Jason. On your 4 gang switch, you will basically have 4 separate switches on it, so treat each switch (gang) as a separate switch and wire each one up like I showed in the video. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching!

[@sgmotorists3278]

Hi can I connect the Live, Nutral and Earth directly to the double gang point rather then using the 3 pin Plug? Pls advise 🙂

[@afoster111]

That's helpful. Assume the same principle applies to an external all weather switch, but how do you wire the neon on/off indicator inside the switch please?

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

The neon is already wired, but yes the switch is likely to be the same, or it may be a double pole switch witch is just wires in one side and wires out to light the other. Good luck.

[@jaygoodwin6287]

Hi. I'm trying to replace a 20 year old garden light with an LED PIR Flood light to a preexisting 1 way switch but on the cable that goes to the outside, there is 4 cables in the large gray, one being black that connected to the 1way slot. (It has a brown collar) on it I assume to be live. I removed the black wire and put the 2 blue into the 1 way and left the two browns in the common leaving the black not connected either side. I matched 3 colours to the matching wires but it fused the RDA/fuse box. But only when I turned the light off. Could you help please P.s the cable that goes to the outside looks like a prysmain (4 cables) gray, brown green/yellow and black. The gray cable has a blue sheath and the black has a brown. I hope I'm not confusing things. The LED flood light only has 3

[@ItachiUchiha-lr3yr]

I have metal back boxes, and I'm fitting new metal/brass switches, so I should earth first to the metal back box then earth again from the back box earth terminal to the metal face plate?

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

Earth direct to switch, then earth from switch to backbox.

[@ItachiUchiha-lr3yr]

@@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE Thankyou pouse, I did the earth to metal backbox terminal then backbox terminal to switch, Hopefully its not that different.

[@comingforthattoothbrush9896]

Good explanation, though I had to watch at half speed because there are too many new terms very fast if you haven't got any prior knowledge

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

Sorry for that. I try to get the info in without stretching the video out. I guess with video you can always pause or go back if you miss something. Thanks for watching.

[@ToneTravels]

I'm looking at replacing all my light switches in my house. I'm struggling to find my 1 way 1 gang switches, after seeing your video, is it correct that I can use a 1 gang 2 way switch to replace a 1 way switch and just leave the 2nd way empty?

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

That's right. 2 way is fine. Best of luck!

[@ak4u458]

All my current light switches are 5AMPS But I cannot find them anywhere would I be okay replacing them with a 10amp switch?

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

Yes, that's fine. Best of luck with it.

[@philrichmond7567]

Nice and clear video. Do you have an email address so I can send you a pic of a new switch I bought? I followed diagram in manual but my light flickers on continuously.

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

Hi Phil, thanks for the feedback. If you've done what is in the video, and your screws are tight, you shouldn't have a problem.Whats the name of the switch you have? Your problem may not be with the switch, it may be in the ceiling? If it's the switch, take it back and change it. Let me know how you get on. Thanks for watching!

[@nasszuzu]

Thanks

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

No problem!

[@dipsetdonkey7757]

Hi I have a light that works on a sensor in my bathroom and when accidentally switched off it takes a minute or two to get going again so I would like to make the switch ineffective without removing it. Could I, rewire at the switch plate so that the neutral wire shares the common terminal with the live wire? Would this work so that the lighting fixture is always live? Or is there a safer better way to achieve this?

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

I guess you could or find the connections in the ceiling and bypass the switch wire altogether isolating it so it's all dead. You can just put connector block (like wagos) over the end of each wire in the ceiling to safely isolate them and then just leave the switch as it is. But the outcome would be the same. Just make sure the blue wire is marked as live with brown tape at both ends so if anyone else ever checked it then they know it's a live and not a neutral. Hope that helps!

[@nayanadeshmukh4209]

what if i connect blue wire up and brown wire down......plss reply

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

The light will just come on when the switch is pushed the other way. It will work in reverse. Thanks for watching!

[@lHLDN2K]

Hi ! Thanks for another great video, quick simple question, the new light switch is metal so needs earthing, the bracket in the plaster board is plastic and has the current earth wire in the earth terminal. Would i just take that earth out of the earth terminal and put it into the light ? Or would I need a extra piece of copper and run that from earth -earth terminals, hope that makes sense ?

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

If it's a plastic pattress box then it doesn't need earthing but sounds like it has an earth terminal / screw in yours? If so, as you said just take another length of copper, cover it in earth sheath and connect from the earth terminal on your switch to the earth terminal on the pattress box. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching!

[@haleycassadyreyes5029]

How to wire a switxh off an outlet?

[@xylemrays671]

I’ve bought an outside sensor led light, it has three terminals in the back of it, blue (two blues in one terminal), yellow/green and brown. My wire which comes out the wall for this outside light has four wires. Blue, brown, yellow/green and grey. My question is, what am I supposed to do with this grey wire? Cheers.

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

Not sure without seeing it. If in doubt, call an electrician. You don't want any unsafe wiring. Sorry could not be of more help.

[@mohamadboodhoo]

I have changed my bathroom pulling light to normal switch I have noticed both (L & N)are live current on. and the light still not on. Please help. Thanks

[@Allegedly2right]

Could you do a video on one bell push two bells I had to buy 8V~1.0A 2 off as it is cheaper cheers

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

Maybe in time but I won't be able to do a vid on this for a while sorry. Thanks for watching.

[@heroknaderi]

I appreciate it 😎👍

[@Johnbullettv]

Nice one

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

Thanks for watching!

[@bigsteve6729]

What if I'm doing a separate set of lights to the kitchen, there's no way to pull from the other lights without destroying the ceiling, but I can pull right from the board to the kitchen with ease. Should I run a live from a 6amp breaker to the switch and then the switched wire up to the light? And then both L1 and common will be the brown wires, with the neutrals in a block and the earth in terminated to back box. Is this an acceptable method? Thanks

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

You can make the 'loop' in the back of the switch yes. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching.

[@karl009]

Hello, would you do a video on how to wire an internal light to a PIR or is it the same as a light switch?

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

One day maybe....if I get time!

[@SmokeyMcPot42087]

I bought some earth cable which consist of strands of copper. Do i need to do anything to them before putting them in the terminal like twist or loop or something?

[@burieddreamer]

I gave it a small twist, but the unprotected wire area was small, so it didn't change much. It worked anyway. I used a 2.5mm wire.

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

The earth wire for house sockets should be solid, not stranded. Please ensure you use the correct wires. If unsure get an electrician to carry out the work as it could be unsafe potentially causing a fire or electric shock. Best of luck.

[@SmokeyMcPot42087]

@@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE I've not heard that before. What about the wire being stranded makes it an electrical / fire risk?

[@davids5498]

Didn’t see any testing carried out to verify if earthing was adequate prior to replacing the light switch . Did you carry out an earth fault loop impedance test? All electrical works must be accompanied by testing and electrical certification, in this case a minor electrical installation works certificate. Do you even own a multi function test instrument? Also, if you are going to say you get someone else to sign off your work, this is also illegal. An electrician cannot issue an electrical installation certificate or minor works certificate for work they did not carry out.

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

This video is purely a demonstration of the wiring. It's not how to test and inspect. If it is illegal for someone to test and sign off someone else's work then how are any tests carried out on old houses? Are you saying only the installer can work on those electrics until it is all torn out and replaced by another electrician? Silly comment but thanks for watching all the same!

[@davids5498]

POUSE around the HOUSE Silly comment? That just shows how much you don’t know and your lack of understanding of electrical certification. Tests are carried out on an old house as it’s an EICR (electrical installation condition report), a periodic check on someone else’s work. The work you have done here requires a minor works certificate, you cannot get someone else to sign off install work which has just been carried out via a minor works certificate or electrical installation certificate. You don’t know anything about different types of certification this is why you have made such a stupid remark.

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

@@davids5498 if you say so David. Thanks again for watching.

[@bigsteve6729]

From NIC EIC website: Although a minor works certificate may be used to certify the replacement of an accessory, for example, a wall switch or a socket-outlet on a ‘like-for-like’ basis, such work would generally fall under a maintenance regime and so the client, such as a local authority, can choose to use their own documentation instead, so nope... Sorry David

[@azbolaa4825]

Great vid pal, cheers! The problem I’m having is the consistency of the light.. some times when I flick the switch it works, others it just doesn’t respond or needs flicking a few times, comes on slowly etc etc the wiring in the wall and on the switch look exactly as they should (I know this thanks to you’re video) does this mean the problem is with the actual switch (plastic bit attached to the wall) or will it be something more expensive that will need a sparky to look at? A response from anyone would be appreciated. Cheers lads.

[@azbolaa4825]

And lasses 👍🏼 lads just rolls of the tongue better, ya know hahahahaha it’s 2018?women can be sparkys as well 😋 Just before a white knight P.C internet mofo comes at me 🤫

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

Sounds like the switch. Just make sure the wires are tightened up nicely as you don't want any arking! Let me know if you get it fixed. Thanks for watching.

[@fatyeet6882]

Loved the vid, gave you a like and a sub :)

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

Thanks for the feedback and thanks for watching!

[@fruitcake4t]

the ceiling light in my box room comes on with the switch in the off position, do i simply swap the wires around?

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

Possibly but it might not be that straight forward. If in doubt call an electrician. Thanks for watching.

[@soxriek6704]

Or its fitted up-side down.

[@stevewaite2241]

Swapping the wires around will make no difference. It IS fitted upside down.

[@MonsurRa]

Is the earth cable needed or not ? Is it a must have?

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

It is required if you have a metal back box. You should have one even with a plastic back box as if someone changes the plastic for a metal box, or wants to run a live feed from the switch elsewhere then there is an earth available. The earth wire makes the back box safe in the event of the live touching it. Good luck and thanks for watching!

[@motormouthalmighty]

GOOD,WELL EXPLAINED VIDEO.THOSE METAL BACKPLATES ALWAYS SEEMED SO CRAMPED DON'T THEY? WHEN THE EARTH,NEUTRAL AND LIVE LEADS ARE BENT IN,IF THEY BECAME CUT OR WORN,CABLES WOULD TOUCH EACH OTHER.WHY DON'T THEY JUST MAKE THE METAL BACKPLATES A LITTLE DEEPER ,WIDER AND MOVE THE EARTH TERMINAL?UNLESS I'M TALKING OUT OF MY BLUNDERBUS!

[@stuartrendall6730]

Surely if you have a metal back box and metal front plate then when they're screwed together they are earthed since the metal back box is also earthed or am I wrong?

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

True, but it wont be earthed when it's unscrewed and the connection is better through copper wire than a steel screw.. It's just good practice I guess.

[@altvamp]

The point is, if it needs to be earthed if it's a metal fronted switch even if it's disconected - safety

[@RajRaj-if3gy]

Thanks sir 🙏☺

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

No problem.

[@CynicalOldDwarf]

I replaced the light switches in my bedrooms with dimmers, all three of them had two red wires going into the L1 terminal (plus another red into common and the earth ) Is that normal?

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

Sounds odd but can't comment without seeing it. If in doubt get your electrics checked by an electrician. Thanks for watching!

[@3arnotg]

Can you add another independent light running from this switch if you were to split it? I have kitchen lights connected to a switch which is hanging down from the ceiling. I want to add another different light elsewhere but have no other access to power

[@sidneya4057]

did you manage to do this?

[@peterkhungu1930]

Dear Sir, I would like to ask you if we could have 3 Gang 2 Way Light Switch and have 6 light fittings and want to control 2 lights with one gang, how should Wiring Diagram be ? I kindly request your help. Please HELP me......

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

Hi Peter, just wire each switch (gang) like a one way switch to the light you want to connect it to, then take one length of twin and earth cable (1.5mm2) from the light fitting out to the next light fitting but.....connecting the brown live wire into the SWITCHED LIVE of the light fitting and out to the LIVE terminal on the second light, the neutral to neutral and the earth to the earth. That way both lights only come on when switched. Do that for each of the switches. I will do a video on this soon. Thanks for the question and thanks for watching!

[@peterkhungu1930]

Please do a video. I beg of you ... You are absolutely amazing...

[@jakobsharpe2393]

sometimes you see 3 cables coming down through the light swith though so what you do with that for a 1 gang 1 way.

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

If one wire is the earth, then connect it to the metal back box, as per vid, or terminate it into a connector block if you have a plastic back box. Hope that makes sense. Thanks for watching!

[@jakobsharpe2393]

POUSE around the HOUSE thanks mate, no what I meant was 3 T+E cables... not 3 wires... I've seen it on new builds where 3 cables are somehow terminated into a 1g 1w switch and wondered what you do with it. I'm guessing you'd put the brown from the switch cable into L1, the two other browns from the power cables into the com, and then the neutrals into a connector block with earth in another connector block? I know normally you'd put the blue switch wire with brown tape into the l1 and the brown into com if there was only one T+E cable, but in this case the ceiling roses only had a 1 T+E cable for the switch and no loops in and out were terminated in the ceiling rose. if I sound confused, it's because I am lol sorry! your help is appreciated.

[@Shaun742]

Yeah this is how it is in my house and I was confused for a while. It seems the way the video (and other tutorials online) explains how to do it is for when the loop is in the ceiling rose, whereas in my house the loop is in the switch. You're correct that the two IN/OUT lives go into the COM and the switch live goes into L1, I found this site helpful: www.flameport.com/electric/lighting_circuits/lighting_loop_at_switch.cs4

[@jakobsharpe2393]

@@Shaun742 cheers mate, thanks. Ill have a look at the website now.

[@gurpreetbhambra7291]

Could you do a video on how to wire up multiple lights to a one way light switch?

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

It's basically a combination of these two videos. How to fit a 1 way light switch - kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6LTpaZ-bL1niKs How to install LED downlighters - kzbin.info/www/bejne/epvXc2mFo8-poqc Hope that helps.

[@Allegedly2right]

What about torque settings to comply with the regs or is it just a pen pusher sticking his nose in as per usual

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

They are more relevant for the consumer unit. Thanks for watching!

[@zer0b0t]

I have a 1 way switch and want to replace it. Is it possible to connect an outlet with switch combo with the same 2 wires?

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

Hi there, not quite sure what you mean by outlet? But yes you can change it for a new switch. Thanks for watching.

[@michaelkilner5031]

Hi,are you saying that if you use a metal switch and a plastic back box that the switch doesnt need to be earthed. Best regards Mick.

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

No, anything metal needs to be earthed. So metal switch should have an earth terminal for your earth (CPC) wire.

[@vickeysinghsingh7822]

Thanku

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

No problem.

[@illegalfreedom1055]

Where can i get a 3 gang intimate light switch (if they even make them). Cant find them any where online I have a 3 story house and wanted to wire up switches in order Bottom landing and next floor Landing bellow. This landing. Landing above Landing bellow. This landing Hopefully that made sense lol. Your advice would be much appreciated

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

I think you mean a 3 way light switch? They do exist. Just search the internet. Thanks for watching and good luck!

[@illegalfreedom1055]

POUSE around the HOUSE yeah i need a 3 way intermediate switch and im really struggling to find one lol

[@Ella-ji3nt]

Really helps

[@devlinX]

Why do some smart switches have Live, L1 and neutral terminals?

[@tamaselmont8310]

Because thoose need a constant power to operate.

[@JamieBballer23]

Can you use a 3 gang light switch in a 1 gang ? Will it still work? (Only has a neutral and live wire)

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

Hi Jamie, not sure what you mean? If you mean just use 1 switch on a 3 gang switch then yes it will work, but for the money why not just buy a one gang switch? Hope that helps, thanks for watching!

[@n0spam911]

in my bedroom, I have 1 bulb and 1 switch but when I opened the switch it has 2 brown cables in COM and 1 brown cable in L1

[@agentcarbunkle]

that extra live in the com is probably providing live to another switch somewhere

[@russellg3775]

And remember, it's very likely the previous electrician has cut the cables super close to the wall so this is all a nightmare :-)

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

That is a very real scenario unfortunately! Thanks for watching.

[@stephenpeacock2627]

Presumably you can just extend each cable joined with either a Lego brick connector or wago connector.

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

@@stephenpeacock2627 you can as long as you use the correct rated connectors, you also need a big enough back box to fit all the wires and connectors in.

[@bigsteve6729]

@@stephenpeacock2627 rather pull a new cable than do that botch job 🤣

[@pomellauk]

I only have 2 red wires, do I connect both live wires, and no nuetral??

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

Possibly but if in doubt you should get it checked by an electrician. You should have an earth wire there as well. If not you may have old electrics that need updating. Let me know how you get on. Thanks for watching.

[@tariqmalik9907]

Hi is the L1 is actually the neutral ? I want to install WiFi switch shell I use natural and live only instead of L1 ?

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

On a switch the blue is used as a switched live (with brown tape on it) and brown is live. The neutral wire is usually up in the ceiling and is also blue but without any brown tape on it. That said, if your lighting connectors are in the switch rather than your ceiling, you may have a neutral in the switch connected together with a connector block. Sorry if I've confused you! Best of luck with it.

[@johnnysim88]

can i change the switch 1 gang 1 way without switch off the power by using insulated screwdriver?

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

You should never work on live electrics, worst case scenario is it could be fatal. Turn the power off or call an electrician. Best of luck with it and be safe. Thanks for watching.

[@johnnysim88]

@@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE thank you, friend

[@BestUserNameUK]

@@johnnysim88 NO!!🙈

[@neiltrevatt]

It’s not a neutral wire it’s a switch live which just as blue sleeving on it

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

Yes fair point! Thanks for watching.

[@navraja22]

how do u earth a chrome switch that has 2 red wires coming thru the wall and a buried metal back box?

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

If you have no earth wire, then you can't and only plastic (fully insulated) casings should be used. Sounds like old wiring that could do with updating. Thanks for watching.

[@J1M1F]

I have a one gang light switch. Can anyone explain why I have switch live to the bottom, then permanent live to the top and also a neutral (or non live) connected to the live at the top?

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

Sounds like the switch is part of a 2 way lighting circuit such as on a landing where two separate switches control one light. In this case they haven't colour coded the wires to show they are all live at some point. I might be wrong though. Thanks for watching.

[@thebrightsideofthemoon5829]

When I switch my light off it’s tripping the fuse box , any ideas ?

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

Without looking I couldn't say. You could try just checking behind the switch for loose or faulty connections (with power off of course) but failing that you may need an electrician to test it. Best of luck with it.

[@thebrightsideofthemoon5829]

@@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE , the return live wasn’t sleeved and I had all the lives in together and the neutrals in together. I just kept on trying the neutrals one by one until I found out which one was the return live and now everything is good. I had lost all my kitchen and toilet lights and extractor fans because of this. Thanks for your video 👍

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

@@thebrightsideofthemoon5829 excellent, well done!

[@galaxydrifter9799]

@@thebrightsideofthemoon5829 where did you put the return live, I'm having the exact same problem currently

[@thebrightsideofthemoon5829]

@@galaxydrifter9799 in the section where the line go, next to the lives. It was just trial and error because my return live wasn’t sleeved or marked

[@tapefilms]

My light switch says "L1" at the top and "L2" and "L3" at the bottom. Im guessong i put the brown in the L1 and the blue in the L2?

[@jayc1155]

You out the blue in live 2 like you said but make sure you buy brown insulation for it otherwise people will mistake it as a neutral wire when it is actually live... Could give future people a shock... As long as you put brown sleeving over it first then you should be fine

[@tapefilms]

@@jayc1155 okay, thanks!!

[@eddholland8148]

Hi m8 grate video very helpful iv got a quick question how do i isolate a single light switch im in the uk. Do i cut them and tape the ends then put a blank plate over it as i carnt take the wires right out. Can you let me know as i have a job tomorrow lol. Thanks for your help

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

Well the best way is to isolate them at the ceiling rose or junction box by removing them. That way there will be no live part of the cable. Then also it's good practice to put a connector block on the end of the wires and label the wire so in the future someone can identify what it was for. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching.

[@fullyleaded]

If I have a metal switch and I did not earth it, what could happen?

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

If it became live, you could get an electric shock when you touch it.

[@fullyleaded]

Thanks for getting back to me. What might make it live?

[@malachydixon9187]

​@@fullyleadedLoose wires

[@SM-mp3lb]

hi how i have power coming from a switch socket from the bedroom upstairs and i want to wire two separate lights with different switches thanks

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

Not quite sure what you mean sorry. If you look at my electrical playlists on my channel, there maybe another video that can help. Best of luck.

[@altvamp]

There is a mistake in this video, you state first that a two way switch can be used as a single switch using L1, but later go on to say that switching a two way switch on connects to L2, I'm assuming we are calling "on" down, I don't have a switch to hand but I think you may need to use L2 not L1 unless you want "on" to be what would usually be "off"

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

On a 1 way swith you just cut the power. On a 2 way swith the power just alternates from L1 to L2.

[@livolo1769]

shall we know what is your work email? we are looking for someone do a videos for our light switch .

[@craigdavies9802]

All my wires are red?

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

That means they're live ike the brown in the video. It's the old colour wiring. If you look 55 seconds into the video I provide a chart to convert old colours to new. Hope that helps, good luck and thanks for watching!

[@sixtiesmate3065]

Most likely strappers it's probably an intermediate not a 1 way.

[@adventureaways1534]

I've got it now but you should of just showed us one light one switch because for a first timer the loop out is confusing , especially with the picture you drew. The loop out should of been another video when connecting multiple lights

[@POUSEaroundtheHOUSE]

The loop out is what you will have in every room of your house bar one in most cases. The loop out is what allows you to carry on the connection to other lights. If I didn't explain this it's likely people would get confused and ask 'Why do I have 4 cables in my ceiling rose?' Thanks for watching.

[@MrEditsCinema]

Can I use a 3 way light switch for one light? I bought the wrong light switch