Key operated emergency light switch for non-emergency installations

[Tony59]

I have an outdoor security light with a PIR sensor. I want the unit to have permanent power.
It is switched from a 2 gang light inside the house on a one way circuit. One switch is for the kitchen internal light. The other switch is for the outdoor security light.
People are in the habit of turning off both switches. But I want the switch for the outdoor light to be permanently on. Switch guards look unsuitable. But key operated emergency/secret switches look ideal, especially ones with changeable modules such as this:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-Gang-L...y-Keyswitch-Test-Switch-Modules-/262924466179

I would find one that is not labelled 'emergency' to avoid confusion.
Question: Is it acceptable to use such a key operated switch for a light unit to enable it to be permanently powered on? I have looked online and have not found any discussion about this.
Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

People are in the habit of turning off both switches.

Then get them to break that habit. There is nothing wrong with expecting people to THINK.

But I want the switch for the outdoor light to be permanently on. Switch guards look unsuitable.

But if you really are stuck living with people who are genuinely unable to remember simple things, replace the existing switch with a 2-way one, if it isn't already, and wire the outdoor gang so that it looks off when it is actually on.

 

[333rocky333]

Yes you can use them, i have seen them used where a Pir needs a 24hr supply like yours amongst other uses, most makes Mk etc, do Engraved And Non engraved, in 6amp, 20amp, 1 way, 2 way and Double pole , more used in a commercial environment but I cant see any reason not to use them in Domestic.

Alternatively depending how the 2 switches are wired, maybe you could fit a 1 gang switch and connect the security light to the Live in terminal.
Or even wire the security light switch in the same switch terminal so the switch dont do anything.

 

[Tony59]

Yes you can use them, i have seen them used where a Pir needs a 24hr supply like yours amongst other uses, most makes Mk etc, do Engraved And Non engraved, in 6amp, 20amp, 1 way, 2 way and Double pole , more used in a commercial environment but I cant see any reason not to use them in Domestic.

Thanks, it is reassuring to know that they have been used like this elsewhere. It is for use in a shared house of 4 people, so it is difficult for me to ensure that the power is always on, because people turn off the switches in an attempt to turn off other internal lights. I don't want to disable or bypass the switch completely, for ease of maintenance when changing light bulbs etc. on the security lights. The key solution seems ideal. I am just surprised that I have not seen it mentioned elsewhere. I can only find mentions of switch guards, most of which look a bit large and clumsy.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

It's rather worrying that your electrician didn't know the answer to your question - perhaps you should kick him into touch and get someone who actually knows what he is doing.

 

[Tony59]

It's rather worrying that your electrician didn't know the answer to your question - perhaps you should kick him into touch and get someone who actually knows what he is doing.

Sorry, I should have explained that I did not ask any electrician about this. I just wanted to know if I could swap around an existing 2 gang switch with a new one that replaced one of the switches with a key operated switch. Thanks for your advice.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

So who does the electrical work in this house?

 

[Tony59]

The 2 gang switch was installed many years ago and the house has been fully tested by an electrician in recent years. I just want to swap around an existing light switch. I understand that can be done by a DIYer who is competent.

 

[JohnW2]

Sorry, I should have explained that I did not ask any electrician about this. I just wanted to know if I could swap around an existing 2 gang switch with a new one that replaced one of the switches with a key operated switch.

Yes, assuming you are 'competent' you can change the switch for any other type of switch you want - be that 'conventional', key-operated, cord-operated, wireless or whatever.

Kind Regards, John

 

[cdbe]

The solution is....... Sellotape.

I have the same issue - a cheapo rewire left my back light on the kitchen switch (and wired upside down) and my front on the HSL. My wife and kids just operated the switches at random. The black marker (needs redoing) was up light, down light and outside light arrows! Hopefully it will all be sorted soon but it's been a useful "temporary" arrangement for the past few years! Obviously in the old days they didn't have PIRs just switched bulkhead lights.

 

[Tony59]

The solution is....... Sellotape.

Yes, Sellotape solves many problems. We have some on our freezer power socket switch after it has been turned off a few times. Regarding the 2 gang light switch originally mentioned on this posting, I have successfully replaced it with a 2 gang switch where one switch is key operated. So far it works very well.[/QUOTE]