Any of you able to give me some light switch wiring help?

[MEGAHYDER]

I've replaced lighting and outlets before, but not a switch. Novice but not a complete noob.

Anyway, my fiancee wanted me to replace a couple of lights/switches with dimmers. Each switch has always acted as one way for one light. However after loosening the plate on one to start disconnecting I see wiring that doesn't match any wiring diagrams/youtube videos I looked at as research. I'm confused basically. Why is there no neutral connection? Why are there two lives? Why do I keep getting boils on my genitals?

I would love some advice on how wire the dimmer switches I bought and how to deal with the present wiring.

Pictures of the wiring and my new switch.

Thanks fuckers

[Ekona]

I have no idea why you have a wire connected back on itself

[RB]

Don't install dimmers would be my advice. Buy Phillips Hue bulbs instead (just the dimmable ones not the stupid fancy coloured ones), they are far more versatile and finding dimmable normal bulbs that don't flicker like a bastard is almost impossible.

[kingweed]

There isn't a neutral connection because it doesn't need to be switched, the neutral is always there as it's connected via a strip connector. Single switches only require to be switched via live. Putting it in a strip connector just keeps it in the rings natural.

If it was a multi way switched light (i.e. one at each door, one upstairs one downstairs etc) the netural would double as a live or would be switched through the neutral.

The live ring is looped at the top (2 live cables, they are technically one complete circuit) Bottom is to your light so it gets power when the switch is made.

Just leave the neutral into the strip connector. Loop the earth, you'll need an extra bit of cable.

I'm not familiar with the little logo on the right hand side of the three. Put the ring lives into L1, put the live to the light into l2 and test it. It may be that just means it goes on or off and isn't adjusted by the dimmer switch. I'm not too sure. If it doesn't try it in the 3rd one.

The update me



Simple diagram

Neutral doesn't break at all, neither does earth.

[MEGAHYDER]

Thanks kingweed, with your diagram and some other info I found I managed to get it sorted.

I think you're right though RB. I will be getting some smart lighting eventually, just wanted this done quickly/cheaply in the interim. Only problem I see with smart lighting is that from the looks of it you have to control it from your phone. I'd still like to be able to control it fully (at least on/off/dim) from a wired wall switch. I don't want a wireless switch I have to stick to the wall and that works off a battery. Not only is that annoying to fix to a wall and one day find out the battery is dead - what do I do with the old switches?

[RB]

The Phillips Hue system has wall mounted remotes as an option.

Also my Amazon Echo controls them.

[kingweed]

The Phillips Hue system has wall mounted remotes as an option.

Also my Amazon Echo controls them.

My gawd, how have I never hear of this????

Currently researching the starter kits.

[Ekona]

Lightbulbs should be 100w, and either on or off.

#manly

[Mr.Clark]

It's 3am, you've just woken up and need to go pee.

You flick on the light in Ekona's house...

[RB]

Meanwhile at my place: Alexa, dim the living room lights and play some Barry White.

[Ekona]

Meanwhile at my place: Alexa, dim the living room lights and play some Barry White.

Seems a lot of effort just to have a wank tbh.

[Joe]

No no Dan; Barry for insertions and Lionel for tugging.

[Ekona]

Ah, my bad. Rookie mistake!

[kingweed]

No no Dan; Barry for insertions and Lionel for tugging.

Spat my tea out. Nice one.

[Sam]

Lightbulbs should be 100w, and either on or off.

#manly

and incandescent.