Intermediate switch or more to it?

[zeitgeist]

Hi all

I discovered this website last night and thought it 's great. So, here I am, a new member who would appreciate your help with the following.

I'm trying to replace an existing switch with a digital security switch for the lantern by the front door. According to the instructions, the security switch can replace a 2-way switch but not an intermediate switch.


The existing switch is an intermediate switch with 4 terminals but only TWO of the terminals are wired. Now, this is where it's get complicated:

1. 2 cables come through the back box, i.e there are 2 sets of red, black and yellow/green each

2. one red wire conects to one top terminal and another red wire connects to the other terminal which is right below the other terminal

3. the two black wires are connected in a loop through a plastic connector and similarly, the yellow/green wires form a loop via another plastic connector.

Based on what I've seen on this website, it would appear that although the existing switch is an intermediate switch, it has nevertheless not been wired as such. My concern are the two loops: do these somehow create something similar to an "intermediate switch connection".

Your comments would be much appreciated.

[ultimatehandyman]

You have done a great job of explainig it, so well done!

Just one question, what does the lightswitch actually do?

From what you have said it seems that it is being used as a normal one way light switch, the two black wires are the neutrals fastened together and the two reds are switched live and permanent live.

If you could let us know if it is on a one way or two way lighting circuit then it may make it easier to answer.

If it is not one way, then this could be a job for markysparky

[zeitgeist]

Hiya

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. The lightswitch only switches the external lantern on and off.

Cheers

[ultimatehandyman]

It looks as though it is being used only as a one way light switch, so the two red wires will be common and L1 on a normal lightswitch.

[zeitgeist]

Hiya

Sounds safe to proceed then. Thanks for your input.

Cheers

[zeitgeist]

Hi UltimateHandyman

Just a quick note that I've changed the switch and the new one is working fine. No need to wake up early on the w/e to switch off the front light!

Cheers

[ultimatehandyman]

Nice one