Two way conundrum

Otto Sump · 6 May 2007

Hello group, I'm installing a low wattage external bulkhead light to my Mothers home. I am looking at replacing the current double switch in the hallway which controls the hallway light and a two way landing light. This switch is situated right opposite to the new external light so is in an ideal location. What I want to know is, can I fit a new three switch wall plate, to replace the existing functions and add the new external light function. I'd imagine the wiring will be a nightmare but any help would really be appreciated.
Regards
Otto, in overcast Whitehaven Cumbria

ColJack · 6 May 2007

in short no...

in long.. yes but it will require gaining access to the nearest light and pulling extra cables down to the switch...

you need a neutral and earth from the light that the switch is currently controling and a switched live back up from the switch..

some will tell you that an outside light requires a double pole switch..

if this is the case then you need to get a permanent live and a neutral down to and back up from the light switch as well as their earths.. ( 2 x 1.5 T+E.. )

Lectrician · 6 May 2007

Why will some say that you require a double pole switch? What nonsence!

A neutral will indeed be required, which is *usually* not present at the switch - however, on some it is. You would need to look to see. Chanced are it's not.

Can you get a cable to the switch easily? I assume so if you are running from the switch to light? Is this a bungalow? Is the switch backing onto a cupboard, garage etc etc?

Otto Sump · 6 May 2007

Thanks guys, the light is situated external, downstairs outside the front door of a semi, I'd assume I'd have to lift the flooring upstairs to gain access to the ceiling rose. I thought it was going to be a bank holiday quickie, looks as though it could take a little time. I was under the impression that I could spur the external switch from a live feed from one of the adjacent 2 gangs. I give it an initial go, got the outside light functioning OK, lobby lights OK but the landing light when swicthed on downstairs & turned off upstairs, will not turn back on downstairs unless the upstairs one is swicthed first, complicated I know, but its a challenge.
Regards
Otto

ColJack · 6 May 2007

Why will some say that you require a double pole switch? What nonsence!

i personally agree, but some on here insist that all outside lights should be switched with a double pole swich for safety..

you never mentioned an external switch in your OP..

you say you've got the light up and working already? wow you work fast...

Otto Sump · 6 May 2007

The light is external, not the switch. Its fed from a 3 gang wall switch, not working as such, still can't fathom the double pole for the landing light!!!
Regards
Otto

Lectrician · 6 May 2007

Does the outside light glow dimmly....along with the hall or landing light!?!

Actually, putting a low energy lamp in series with a mains lamp may cause the low energy lamp to operate (albeit not to full brightness), and the filament lamp may not even light - but would be live!

Lectrician · 6 May 2007

Photos of behind the switch, or an explanation of each wire to each terminal would help immensly!

toasty · 6 May 2007

In this situation if I didn't want to pull extra cable to the switch I'd use relays, it can be done. But I know most on here don't think it's such a good idea.

But it is an option - provided you don't want dimmers!!

Otto Sump · 6 May 2007

Lights operate a correct intensisty, unfortunaltely I'm not at home so don't have my camera to provide pictures.

Spark123 · 6 May 2007

toasty said:
In this situation if I didn't want to pull extra cable to the switch I'd use relays, it can be done. But I know most on here don't think it's such a good idea.

But it is an option - provided you don't want dimmers!!

Eh? The outside light will need a neutral. What if the landing light is on a different circuit to the hall? If there is no neutral at the switch then he can't run the light from it without adding a neutral.
Assuming a normal loop in rose, is it possible to change the twin and earth switch cable from the hall light from a 2c and earth to a 3c and earth?
Isn't it always overcast in Whitehaven marra?

Otto Sump · 7 May 2007

I've sacked the job off, got the outside light & hallway light working OK but struggled with the landing light, no matter what orientation I wired it, it would not function correctly. Going to replace the double gang switch and run the light from a fused spur hidden under the stairs.
Thanks for all your help.
Otto, signing off from a quite sunny but breezy Whitehaven.

Cheers sparky Marra !!

ColJack · 7 May 2007

if you havent run a new wire to the 3 gang switch then you have probably stolen a strapper from a 2way lighting circuit..?

photo's of what you've got would help us out loads..

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Two way conundrum

toasty

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