2 way wiring without 3core+earth

kristhejoiner · 18 May 2010

hi all,
im new on here.

quick question... i have reels of 1.5 mm twin+earth wire and im wanting to install a 2way lighing in the dinning room.
would it be acceptable to run t+e plus a single core (this) betwen swich 1 and 2 instead of having to buy and use 3core+earth to conect the 2 swiches together

many thanks

electronicsuk · 18 May 2010

No, you can't use 6491x singles with only one layer of sheathing without enclosing them in conduit, trunking or similar. Run in an extra length of T+E, connect both earths, and put the spare conductor into a terminal block at both ends.

kristhejoiner · 18 May 2010

electronicsuk said:
No, you can't use 6491x singles with only one layer of sheathing without enclosing them in conduit, trunking or similar. Run in an extra length of T+E, connect both earths, and put the spare conductor into a terminal block at both ends.

thanks for your reply

if i did it the way you suggested would there be any issues with regulaions? or is this way common?

electronicsuk · 18 May 2010

kristhejoiner said:
electronicsuk said:

No, you can't use 6491x singles with only one layer of sheathing without enclosing them in conduit, trunking or similar. Run in an extra length of T+E, connect both earths, and put the spare conductor into a terminal block at both ends.

Click to expand...

thanks for your reply

if i did it the way you suggested would there be any issues with regulaions? or is this way common?

It's fairly common where existing wiring has been utilised to form a 2-way circuit, and there's absolutely nothing unsafe about it.

kristhejoiner · 18 May 2010

im installing new, its not existing. is it still ok?

electronicsuk · 18 May 2010

Yep. There's nothing in the regulations that says you shouldn't/can't do it, it just isn't commonplace on new installations as it's more effort than running 3C+E.

mikeyd · 18 May 2010

Yes, no problem only using one core of a T+E.

The cable you use should have a CPC, and any live conductors should be double insulated, which is why your original suggestion using a conduit single isn't good.

As said in original reply, just stick the unused core of the T+E in a terminal block. You could also if you wanted connect it to the CPC (earth).

ColJack · 18 May 2010

alternatively, as it's in the same room and won't be subject to borrowed neutral, then you could put the live feed to one end and take the switched live from the other and just use one run of T+E between like they used to do..

kristhejoiner · 18 May 2010

thanks for your replys chaps

due to abouut of cables running to the swich i may just go out and buy 3core+earth.

would 1mm be ok or does it have to be 1.5mm

kristhejoiner · 18 May 2010

ColJack said:
alternatively, as it's in the same room and won't be subject to borrowed neutral, then you could put the live feed to one end and take the switched live from the other and just use one run of T+E between like they used to do..

can you expain in more detail, thanks

mikeyd · 18 May 2010

Have you looked in the Wiki? //www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:lighting:two_way_lighting

kristhejoiner · 18 May 2010

mikeyd said:
Have you looked in the Wiki? //www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:lighting:two_way_lighting[/QUOTE]
hi, yes i have looking in the wiki section, i cant find any diagrams showing the way coljack descibed

SparkyNinja · 18 May 2010

He's described it in a different wiring method.

Breaking it down, you are currently considering wiring 2 x 1.5mm T&CPC cables from switch to switch. Adding to this the existing Line and Switchline you already have, at one switch you will end up with 3 x T&CPC's and one of the switch's.

The alternative wiring method is the conventional method. For this you would require a T&CPC to go from the light to BOTH switches (1 will contain the line and an unused conductor, the other will contain the switchline and an unused conductor. Then you would simply require strappers, and no common so a simple T&CPC will be required from switch to switch.

This will result in just 2 x T&CPC's at both light switches.

RF Lighting · 18 May 2010

Have a look at the diagram headed "conduit method" in the link to the wiki above.

Also, you could use 6241Y cable along with your twin and earth to provide an extra core.

kristhejoiner · 18 May 2010

RF Lighting said:
Have a look at the diagram headed "conduit method" in the link to the wiki above.

Also, you could use 6241Y cable along with your twin and earth to provide an extra core.

i understand now thanks
that is a good option to think over

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2 way wiring without 3core+earth

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