double light swith(2 switches) change Ask questions and find answers to many subjects relating to electrics and electrical work

[nvb272]

i want to change a double light swith, the existing switch has two red wires at the top. a red wire is connected to the bottom i'm assuming L1 or L2 and then a brown wire (one end connected in with the red and the other end connected on its own in the hole next.

the switch i have to replace it with has L1 and L2 top and bottom, do i just copy the wiring on the switch that i want to replace?

[ericmark]

There are three basic types of light switch.
On/Off two contacts only.
Two way three contacts.
Intermittent four contacts.
Some are labeled Com, L1, L2 etc.
Others are labeled L1, L2, L3 etc.
If the switch is same type and has same markings then it should simply be one to one but where the type or marking are different although the switch may still do the job the way it is wired may change.
Often the plastic moulding is the same and you will see a hole where the L2 contact would be on the two way version on the plain on/off version but there is no terminal in the hole.
Many electricians will not work by the labels but will test the switch to see how to connect it.
Eric