Outdoor light working intermittently

ElBarco

Hi, I moved in to an older house with wiring that probably needs to be redone. In the mean time there are two outdoor lights and what looks like a light/motion sensor. Sometimes the light works fine and sometimes it doesn't. I replaced the bulbs but they are still only working occasionally.

Tracing the wire leads back to this single switch. Can anyone explain what is happening here? I'm not sure why there are two cables wired in to one terminal and another two seemingly patched to be constantly on. I'm a bit baffled so any opinions are welcome.

Daniel son

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058317858/outdoor-light-working-intermittently

The wiring is like that because they have the sensor acting as the switch. Your sensor is the problem.

ElBarco

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121228131#Comment_121228131

Thanks for the reply which makes sense. Assuming the fault is that the sensor isn't correctly switching it on is there any way to rewire the switch to bypass it or would I be better off just removing the sensor altogether?

Daniel son

If colors of cores are correct the live is joined in connector and neutral is joined in switch terminal. A qualified electrician would reverse that but with the live connected correctly in the switch to allow proper function. He would then remove the faulty sensor from the circuit. Allowing the light function via the switch.

A qualified Electrician would do all this with the circuit confirmed safe.

AMKC

WTF kind of cowboy/girl electrician done this? More than likely as it's quiet old by the looks of it it was a male electrician. No need for the switch at all 2 connectors and a blank plate would have done the job.

Sounds like the sensor is the issue. You could either get it removed and just leave the light or get a new one fitted. That is up to you.

10-10-20

Black and blue in a flex cord? Or did the camera just pickup brown as black?

kirk.

They just bypassed the switch in a bodgy way

smuggler.ie

and i would have that switch restored for additional control, in case i dont want that light to come ON

ElBarco

Thanks for the comments as they were all very useful. I'm going to get the sensor replaced and the switch rewired by a local electrician. Need to sort before it gets dark at 4pm!