www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk

Recently had the painters in and in their wisdom they removed the light switches and then reconnected them, since then our down stairs lights only work if the 2 gang switch by the front door is operated.

Once this first switch is operated all the others on the ground floor work.

The 2 gang has 4 red cables and 1 black, I have tested all the cables with a multi meter, only 1 red cable has 240v AC.

It is currently connected up right side, red 240v going to com, red and black t&e to l2 and l1 respectively.

Left hand side 2 reds to L1 and link com to com.

This is the first switch in the hall by the front door, it did control light by door and light at bottom of stairs.

Another 2 gang is located at the bottom of the stairs, it controls light at bottom of stairs and light on landing.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated or is it time to call electrician?

There is no specific colours / configuration for 2 way switching.

Since you have a multi meter why don't you figure out what does what? Or call a competent person (Doesn't have to be an electrician) who will use a multi meter to find out what everything does.

I would get a spark, pay their bill, then reclaim the cost from the painters ..... but tell them you are going to do this because I suspect they will send a mate round to do it for them.