Schndr Light Switches.

I see what you mean. ?

I too have not seen any switch plate like this before. The remedy would be to use a continuity/Ohmmeter to check what each terminal does before making the connection

I would have thought that they come with wiring instructions?

Legh

It is the modern trend - Is it broken? No. Ok lets keep beggaring it up till it is broken

At first glance, one might assume that the loop terminals are connected, but on closer inspection, no. That is a pity because if they were, it would make borrowing a neutral at the top of the stairs so much easier. ?

Although, I havent seen these switches before. IMHO a “Competant” electrical technician wouldnt have any trouble reading the manufacturers instructions/wiring diagram first before undertaking any electrical connections!! I would presume there is a little bit of paper explaining each terminal and its purpose on that paperwork.

GTB

So there we are, working in a dim light on a wall switch. The lighting is off 'cos we are working on a wall switch. We have read the installation instructions and have installed thousands of light switches over the years, one way, two way and intermediated switches. We have short wires from the wall box to the switch terminals which does not help the installation, and sometimes we have to work “mirror image” as we can not see the terminals directly. We get used to the terminal positions, then a new design comes out. It takes time to adjust, even for “competent” electricians. Normally we connect up as "second nature" if all light switches follow the same terminal layout, we can even do it correctly in the dim light available or even blind by feel only.

Z.

Z.

Im sure there is a Reg in the EAWR 1989 about provision of adequate lighting! so working with a dim light and "Blind" isnt in the sentiment of the Regs is it!

Diffrent manufacturers do diffrent things, as long as they are compliant with equipment, product directives etc they can put the terminals and type of terminals wherever they want, after all if users dont like them, they wont buy them.

GTB 

The switch featured looks reasonably easy to wire by anyone who can understand the simple markings, and presuming that working space and lighting are acceptable.

The problems will come from not just from from DIYers but also from so called electricians who have no real understanding of electrical circuits and can only replace a switch or other component by exactly replicating the existing connections.

I.E. remove wire from top left terminal of old part and insert in top left terminal of new part, repeat with other wires. If the new part has a different number or arrangement of terminals then it all goes wrong.

When working for a well known maintenance contractor I found many cases of equipment “that cant be repaired because the parts are not available”  And these were not specialist components but generic relays, batteries, contactors, lamps, ballasts and batteries.

Fluorescent lighting ballasts with different numbers of connections caused total confusion.

As did replacing a single way light switch with a 2 way one ! Extra terminal=panic.

Am I the only one who knows how to use the ‘beep’ continuity range on the meter when faced with any kind of switch with non-standard markings or for some reason unreadable  such as reading round a corner?

Sometimes it seems so..

Mines the meter with trick test leads ending in the wago-style lever connectors wrapped around it.

Mike. 

mapj1: 
 

Am I the only one who knows how to use the ‘beep’ continuity range on the meter when faced with any kind of switch with non-standard markings or for some reason unreadable  such as reading round a corner?

Sometimes it seems so..

Mines the meter with trick test leads ending in the wago-style lever connectors wrapped around it.

Mike. 

I expect Mike that you are not the only professional trained and thinking installer that has a test meter with a continuity beep facility. But do the amateur D.I.Yers? I have no problem with the aforementioned light switches, but it adds additional time to doing a job if the terminal layout is non traditional. For years a four terminal light switch was always an intermediate switch or a double pole switch. I also find that I have to be careful with switched fused connection units where the terminal arrangement varies in position from make to make and the markings are provided in small letters or signs.

What beep would I get if I connect one test lead to the Loop terminal and the other elsewhere? Would I then return the switch to the local D.I.Y. shed as being faulty?

Z.