replacing light switch

[Ploppy1999]

Hi, i would like to replace my living room light switch, however it's not simple. I have four red wires that go into the back of a double light switch. I tried to do a stright swap but my new fitting isn't the same and i ended up with being able to turn the hall, kitchen and living room light on with one switch. What i want is to be able to turn the living room lights on in the living room and the kitchen from the kitchen etc. The red wires (it's an old house) are not labled either. Any ideas?

[gsr600]

call an electrician
you may set the place alight
or die trying
sorry for sounding negative

[chas2008]

i take it the new switch is labled C L1 & L2 ?... common being the live in, L1 & L2 the feed to each lighting curcuit.

[chas2008]

try this
http://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/forum1/doubl e-light-switch-old-style-to-new-wiring-connect ions-t8845.html

[Ploppy1999]

thank you it's very similer, his old switch is the same but it wired differently. I will do the same though and take pictures and post there. many thanks

[ianmunt]

Are you wanting to carry out a straight replacement,or are you wanting to alter which switch does what ?

[Ploppy1999]

just a stright replacement

[ianmunt]

If you test with a neon screwdriver I expect you will find 2 wires are "live",if so these will be the feed,the other 2 will be the switched live which get connected to the live feed via the switch.If the replacement switch is a pair of one way units then its just a case of one live and one switched live into each switch.If in doubt see http://www.wiringhelp.com/electrical/electrica l-components/switch-selection.html which gives wiring diagrams for various types of lighting switches

[Ploppy1999]

i have posted this question with a little more explaining of the wires thank you for the link i will check it out.
http://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/forum1/repla cing-double-light-switch-from-old-wires-t10928 .html