Combining lighting switches

smoakes1 · 5 Aug 2010

Just wanted to treble check that there's no issue with me combining 2 switches that sit next to each other into one.

Current setup is...
1x 2 gang - 2 way
1x 1 gang - 1 way

Wanting to tidy it up into a 3 gang - 2 way switch.
Thanks in advance

1john · 5 Aug 2010

As long as you are certain that one of them isn't an intermediate switch then that should be fine if you have enough spare cable and wont be leaving any buried cable outside of a 'safe' zone.

TicklyT · 5 Aug 2010

Sounds like it should be OK if you can keep the wiring in safe zones - one safe zone will disappear when you remove one of the switches.

If the circuits are fed from different MCBs / fuses, it should be labelled to that effect - A reminder note in the backbox is better than nothing.

Make plenty of notes about what goes where on the old switches, identifying each wire and each terminal before you take anything apart - a quick look through this site will reveal many cries for help from those that didn't.

A deeper than average backbox for your new switch will give a bit more elbow room for the wiring - you'll probably end up with between a dozen and twenty wires in a single box.

smoakes1 · 5 Aug 2010

Thanks guys.
Box is in a stud wall so should be ok on space and will bear in mind the safe zone issue. Both switches are on the same fuse.

Not sure on how to identify if either are an intermediate switch?

1john · 5 Aug 2010

an intermediate switch will have four terminals to it, used on lights that are switched from 3 positions or more. a multi gang switch incorperating an intermediate switch is NOT available off the shelf which is why switches are sometimes set up as yours are. If you arn't sure take some pictures of the backs of the switches and post them up here

smoakes1 · 5 Aug 2010

Thanks 1john
The sockets weren't initially next to each other one has been moved next to the other after we combined two rooms. One is obviously the single 1 way. The other looks like it was a two way but has had a feed taken to operate the outdoor lights and made a two gang? Definately has no more than 2 switches operating it.

Untitled

smoakes1
5 Aug 2010
2

Untitled

smoakes1
5 Aug 2010
2

wingcoax · 5 Aug 2010

Don't see a problem, Are you sure the sg is only one way? looks to be two black wires in pic. Also all black wires should be sleeved in red/brown.

Taylortwocities · 5 Aug 2010

wingcoax said:
looks to be two black wires in pic.

I can only see one black to the single gang switch.

All of the earth wires should be brought together in that terminal block and sleeved with green&yellow sleeving.
If your new switch is metal then you need to run an earth wire from the front plate to the earth connx block.

smoakes1 · 5 Aug 2010

Single gang is definitely one way. Am replacing with s/s switch so will obviously make sure it's earthed properly.
Thanks

diynot

If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.

Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.

Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local

Combining lighting switches

Similar threads