Wiring a double light switch

[sasha-red]

Have just moved house and the hall has a double light switch to operate the hall light and the porch light. However porch light is on all the time - the switch does not turn it off. Am wondering if it has been wired in correctly and need a diagram please.

[BigDave44]

I had a look on the Internet for suitable diagrams, and most are over-complicated. The first link below explains the principle being used. The second is a more practical diagram. Good luck - and always be careful.

http://www.chris.bolus.freeuk.com/teachers/ks4 physics/LightingUp.doc

http://www.diydata.com/planning/twowaylight/tw owaylight.php

[tezestwing]

Dave the link that you have given is for 2 way switching Sasha has a double gang switch one for each light .
The switches are only a make or break to the live feed and I suspect that the switch is at fault and needs to be replaced if you feel you are competent enough make a detailed copy of wires and holes they go in and have a go at it with caution and of course turn the electric OFF before you start hth Tez

[Lorence]

HI...How many wires are in the box and what are the colours.?

[Disco Fever]

I'm a sparky and looking at your question i'm wondering if the porch light has been wired to be on all the time cause it might have a PIR movement sensor mounted in it somewhere and if it is on permanently then the PIR has gone faulty....

[tezestwing]

and while you are checking the colours maybe 2 way on the hall light with (reds blues yellows blacks all live) for Lorence see if one of the RED feeds is joined with a connector block to a BLACK SW ( switch wire ) within the back of the switch,if it is then you can assume that the PIR on the light fitting is faulty.hth Tez

[sasha-red]

Thanks for all your replies. The porch light is pretty basic so am assuming it is not PIR. There are 2 separate white wires behind the light switch, each holding a red and black wire. The connection holes available are COM, L1 & L2 (2 of each)

Have another 3 double gang switches elsewhere in the house & all are only wired to one light so will swap the switch to see if that works. Thanks again.