How do you wire a lightswitch when all the wires are the same colour?

Question

at present there are 3 red wires going in to the switch, 2 go to the same place and 1 to the opposite side. In my new switch there are 2 places for live and switched live and 1 on the base for earth. I know the 2 live wires can go into either, but which cable would the earth be on the existing switch??

Answer 1

Obviously there isn't an earth. You say you have 3 wires and you have accounted for them so there isn't an earth

Answer 2

This sound very odd.  Don't mess with it.

Answer 3

The earth will not go to the switch plate unless it is made of metal , and then there will be a terminal on the plate itself , the earth should be made of into the box that the switch is screwed to ,and if using a metal plate ,be sure to connect a "fly "earth from the plate to the box , in the case of a plastic box with no terminal , tape the end of the earth and leave in the back of the box

Answer 4

2 red wires that are together go into terminal marked Com.

the single red wire goes into L1 on the opposite side of the switch.

It would seem that your house has been wired inside metal conduit embedded in the walls this will all be run back to your fuse box and all the metal conduit will in turn be connected to earth at that position.

If by chance you were changing any light switch for a brass or metal one rather than a plastic one then you would need to attach an earth wire from the back of the metal box sunk into the wall behind the switch, the same would go for the light fittings.

Answer 5

Very carefully.......

Basically you need the equipment - a voltmeter at least. I suggest you get an electrician before you do yourself and/or someone else harm.

If there are two wires, all you have is live and neutral (no earth).

Answer 6

Assuming the switch is a single pole switch ( controls from only one switch) then the wires on the same side are providing power to the switch and sending power further on in the circuit. The single wire is supplying power when the switch is on. There should also be three neutral wires in the electrical box in the wall that are all connected by a wire nut. As for the ground wire, it should be a bare copper wire or green insulated wire and attaches to a terminal either located on the top or bottom of the switch. You should really be using a testor to verify all of this before you cause more problems though.  

Answer 7

Are there any other wires in the box?

Answer 8

If you don't have & know how to operate a volt meter / multi meter - don't risk electrocution.  Get a friend who has a meter to come find out.  Wire it opposite and the switch will function but the screws will be hot.