Have replaced double dimmer switch and replace by double rocker switch.
The room are front & back downstairs.
Since changing switch, front room is controlling back light. Back light on works if front light on, if front light on then back room can be switch on or off. But front must be left switched on?
Upon checking cables in back box noticed following.
One cable has neutral/live & earth. 2 nd cable has live, neutral and earth have been cut. So wonder how using cross over cables could I get both lights to work independantly. Thank you for some advice.
lucapsan
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You describe only two cables entering the box to control two separate lights. Are there more?
Are you sure the white wire is a neutral and not part of a switch loop?
Did you note how the dimmers were wired?
Can you check for voltage between each wire and ground?
Are you sure the white wire is a neutral and not part of a switch loop?
Did you note how the dimmers were wired?
Can you check for voltage between each wire and ground?
If one of the cables only has a hot and the neutral and ground are cut then that is illegal wiring.
Basic rule is that the NET current in any cable should be zero. That is the current flow in the hot lead should be equal to the return current flowing in the neutral.
While the details are a little more involved that same basic rule holds for things like switch legs and 3-way & 4-way wiring.
If the neutral is cut and the hot is being used then that means that rule has been broken. And It also means that some other rules have been broken to make the light work.
You need to get it checked out by an electrican.
Basic rule is that the NET current in any cable should be zero. That is the current flow in the hot lead should be equal to the return current flowing in the neutral.
While the details are a little more involved that same basic rule holds for things like switch legs and 3-way & 4-way wiring.
If the neutral is cut and the hot is being used then that means that rule has been broken. And It also means that some other rules have been broken to make the light work.
You need to get it checked out by an electrican.
