wiring help please dimmer switch

[devonwoody]

got the plasterers in and the dimmer swithch wiring has fallen out.

L1 is connected ok the red one, but the blackwire is loose.
I have got the option of putting it in L2 or a symbol that looks like two crossed swords, not an earth sign.

Which one should the black one go too?

 

[nev]

assuming there are only two wires go for the common (prob your crossed swords?) . if its wrong either the light will stay on or off. you shouldnt do any damage. I am not an electrician!

 

[mind_the_goat]

Sounds like it's a 2 pole switch which you would need if you had a 2 way circuit.
If you really want to be sure you can probably tell where it was by checking how tight the screws are done up, one screw will be just tight enough to take the wire, the other will almost certainly be undone most of the way, or could be screwed down tight. However it's likely to be like this, so doesn't matter.

L1 o
------o Common
L2 o

Is there an earth connection?

[Edited due to answering before thinking, my original answer would have left you in the dark.]

 

[Oryxdesign]

Goes in the common, probably the one with a cross on it.

 

[MMUK]

Yep, it'll go into the X terminal. The L2 is for having a second switch in the circuit.

Be aware though that even though it's a black wire it will be live as it is the supply into the switch.. It should really have a red sleeve over it to avoid confusion.

 

[devonwoody]

thanks all, yes that common screw was the loose one.

No there is no earth connection on this dimmer switch.

I forgot that the black would be live as well!

But I had turned the power off fortunately at the comsumer unit!

 

[Lons]

Yep!
Red should normally be live feed and black would be switched live. Lazy blo*dy electricians should definately have sleeved it. I come across it all the time.

Bob