moving a switch

chatfim · Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 5:28 pm Post Subject: moving a switch

can anyone help?
in my garage (which has it's own separate fuse box) i have a partition. in the front part is a single bulb, and a switch that controls both this light and the light in the back half of the garage (a flourecesent tube).
what i want to do is to move the switch, so could i do it thus:
1 turn off power
2 remove switch, join cables with a connecting block (red to red, black to black) and put a blanking plate in.
3 open up the tube holder, and run the red lead, via conduit down to a (new) switch in the back part of the garage, then back up to the light fitting.

will this switch now control both lights, or do i still need the one in the front part of the garage

i hope this is clear..........

ban-all-sheds · Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 5:51 pm Post Subject:

Why not just rewire it rather than start joining cables - aren't they all on the surface and accessible?

Where does the lighting loop run - at the lights or the switch?

Wouldn't 2-way switching make most sense, so you could work the lights from the back and the front?

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chatfim · Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 6:36 pm Post Subject:

sorry, don't understand about lighting loop

2-way switch also sounds complicated.

on reflection, can i just extend the cables via conduit and put the switch where i want?

ban-all-sheds · Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 7:36 pm Post Subject:

chatfim wrote:

sorry, don't understand about lighting loop

2-way switch also sounds complicated.

electrics:lighting

Quote:

on reflection, can i just extend the cables via conduit and put the switch where i want?

Yes, but it's not the best way, and you really should take the trouble to learn about what you're fiddling with, rather than just connecting up wires with absolutely no idea of what's going on.

http://www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=60849#60849

http://www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=75416#75416

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I mustn't warn people that the "experts" on the plumbing forum can't be trusted to tell the truth.

chatfim · Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 8:06 pm Post Subject:

thanks for that, and you're right of course, and i shall endeavour to lean more.
however, up to this point, all but the very simplest of wiring tasks has been a bit of a mystery, so apart from the very obvious, i've steered clear. mostly i wanted to know if it would be safe, but i'll take your advice and buy a book, so next time............

Taylortwocities · Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 11:53 pm Post Subject:

We can help, don't lose heart - yet!

Turn the garage power off, unscrew the lights switch and take a photo of the back of the switch so we can see the way the wires are connected.

Should then be able to let you know how to do 2-way switching or other solutions.

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chatfim · Posted: Wed Oct 28, 2009 6:01 am Post Subject:

ok, will do, but not home 'till friday pm,
talk later, and thanks (in advance

)