Replace 1 Gang 2 Way Switch with 2 Gang

[Adam Law]

I don't know if this is possible, in my new house we have a 1 gang, 2 way light switch in both the hallway and on the landing, these switches both turn on and off the hallway / landing lights together.

Is it possible to change the switches to a 2 gang, so we have greater control over each light?

 

[flameport]

It's possible. How easy it is depends on how it is currently wired.
Pictures of the wires behind each switch would be helpful.

 

[Adam Law]

I'll take a photo tomorrow. When I checked earlier I believe there was 5 wires. But I'll take a photo tomorrow.

Thank you for your quick response.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Is this house new to you or is it new?

 

[Adam Law]

New to me. It was built in 93.

 

[sparkwright]

Don't forget the pictures...

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

we have a 1 gang, 2 way light switch in both the hallway and on the landing, these switches both turn on and off the hallway / landing lights together.
Is it possible to change the switches to a 2 gang, so we have greater control over each light?

This depends on the reasoning why the switch is used for this function.
We really need to see what lies beneath the switch plate and some electrical testing may also be required.

 

[Adam Law]

Sorry for the delay, the hallway light switch wires are quite snug, so I can't fully pull out the light switch, I've taken several photos, sorry for the slightly obscured view.

I'll have to get a photo of the landing light, it seems "stuck to the wall" I've removed the screws but the light switch won't budge, I think the previous tenant painted the walls and in the process the side of the switch. I'll sort that letter, I suspect though, there're only 3 wires in there, meaning I could install a 2-gang 2-way in that switch without running another cable, but I'll confirm later.

 

[sparkwright]

I would say that it's unlikely you will be able to do what you propose without major rewiring, but we'll look at other pic anyway.

For a house built as recent as 1993 that's some amateurish wiring.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

I think we also need to see what has been taped up.

 

[Echo the husky]

For a house built as recent as 1993 that's some amateurish wiring.

That's a polite way of saying ******* ****.

 

[PBC_1966]

For a house built as recent as 1993 that's some amateurish wiring.

What does "as recent as 1993" have to do with it? It's rough for 1993, 1983, 1973, or 1963. And many amateurs would have made a better job.