How do i change an old light switch. ( Wiring issues )?

I have unscrewed the old light switch and behind is a red and black wire feeding into 2 holes, however the new light switch i have has three holes. I have looked on the instructions that came with the switch and apparently im missing a yellow or grey wire?



The old light switch has just 2 holes for wires marked (L1) and (L2) the new light switch has three marked (L) , (L1) and (L2) , yet i only have one red and one black wire.



Does this mean my new light switch is too powerful or something?



Thanks for any help!
How do i change an old light switch. ( Wiring issues )?
what you have purchased is a 2way switch just use the terminals marked L and L1 for your connections it makes no difference what wire goes where BUT DO NOT connect your earthwire to any terminal and remember the standard practise is for light to be on the switch has to be in at the bottom mount switch appropriately to achieve this
How do i change an old light switch. ( Wiring issues )?
Old switch was one-way, new switch may be used in a two-way setup, but doesn't have to be.

Red into L, Black into L2



If this new switch is metal don't use it unless there is also an earth to connect to the plate part.
'Peter' meant well but has got himself all garbled, 'Bronze' is completely wrong; you ARE allowed to replace a light switch.



Connect the red and black wires to L (red) and L1 (black).



The L2 terminal is in case you want to use it as a two-way switch. In a two-way circuit you will have an additional wire. This may be yellow or grey - it depends whether the wiring is pre 2006 or not (that's when the domestic colours changed for new installations). In your case it probably doesn't apply. Almost all new light switches are made for two-way installations because it's easier and cheaper to have a single manufacturing run.



The switch should have the word %26quot;TOP%26quot; moulded on the back of the plate. Fix it so that this is at the top. Then the switch will operate correctly (press down for on and up for off - the reverse of he American way).



If you also have a plain green or a green/yellow striped wire then connect that to the earth terminal in the mounting box. If you don't have one of these (earth wires) then your installation is probably well over 25 years old and should be considered for inspection and perhaps re-wiring. That could cost about 拢2k-拢3k but may be a life saver.

If you have a fuse box with wired fuses instead of modern circuit breakers then you should definitely have your wiring inspected and tested by a registered electrician. That will be fairly cheap and will be reassuring for you.
Hope I don't sound politically correct or anything, but if you are in the good old UK, you are not allowed to do this any more. You have to get an electrician in or risk voiding the the insurance cover on your house :o(
Take the old switch to your supplier and get an exact replacement.