Photocell override - will this circuit be OK?

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I would like to have a photocell operating two lights independently of each other, but also have a override for manual operation for each light.

I've trawled the electrical forums and taken on board expertise given and come up with this wiring diagram using a 4 gang, 2 way switch. It seems good in theory, any advice greatly received?

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That will work but this small change might make operation easier with one switch selecting being Auto or Manual mode

Then the other switch controls On / Off when in manual mode
overrider.jpg
 
That will work but this small change might make operation easier with one switch selecting being Auto or Manual mode

Then the other switch controls On / Off when in manual mode

Cheers Bernard.

I'm right in thinking in your version the on/off only comes into play when the manual feed is on, where as my diagram has the on/off working for both manual and auto (photocell)?
 
I would like to have a photocell operating two lights independently of each other, but also have a override for manual operation for each light.
Just to be clear:

Do you mean a manual override for ON or Permanently OFF or BOTH?
 
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Just to be clear:

Do you mean a manual override for ON or Permanently OFF or BOTH?
In the main I want the photocell to do its job and operate dusk to dawn night lights, however I also want the option of being able to turn the light on during the day if I require, and turn it off at night too.

The reason being is that the sensor is outside whilst one of the lights is internal (so I want the option of being able to use it functionally).

Hope that makes sense?
 
Yes, but if you didn't want a permanently OFF function then you would only need two switches.

I just wasn't sure if you needed all the options your diagram allows.
 
Yes, but if you didn't want a permanently OFF function then you would only need two switches.

I just wasn't sure if you needed all the options your diagram allows.
Ah - I see where you're coming from. Yes I think I will want the permanent OFF.

Some of the research I did were suggesting 3 way switches as an alternative that you can create with modular components. That would've reduced the switches to two - but I let budget lead me, and went for the cheaper option.:)
 
I was just about to suggest the (IMO far more elegant) solution of 2 centre-off switches, giving you auto-off-on.

Surely it's not so much more expensive than two 2-gang 2-way switches that you can't possibly afford it?
 
I was just about to suggest the (IMO far more elegant) solution of 2 centre-off switches, giving you auto-off-on.

Surely it's not so much more expensive than two 2-gang 2-way switches that you can't possibly afford it?
Yeah, can't argue with you to be honest (about the elegance) . I just wasn't sure it would all work out, so went for the less expensive option if it didn't. And now I've sunk the (larger box) and tidied it all up, I'm loathed to change. I think I'll get this wired all this up first and look to change in the future
 
So did you sink the box and tidy it up all in the space between 16:22 and 20:17, or had you already done that before deciding to ask if your idea would ever work?
 
Looks over complicated to me. I would go for center off MK switches.

Sometimes I install a grid key switch to control auto mode, with a single one way switch to apply power to the lamp for override. No point in two way switches IMO, it just makes it more confusing than it needs to be.
 
So did you sink the box and tidy it up all in the space between 16:22 and 20:17, or had you already done that before deciding to ask if your idea would ever work?
No. I researched the idea and came across this suggestion by an electrician on another board. I got my head around what he/she was saying, cobbled together a testing switch (which worked) so went ahead and ordered the photocell which took a couple of weeks to arrive, and in the meantime ran the cable and sank the box.

Asking on here was a belt and braces exercise before I implemented anything, because I wanted reassurances about safety more than anything (and wondered about compliance). I have no friends/colleagues/family that are qualified to give me that advice. Inelegance I can live with, but dangerous fittings are obviously another story, hence the reason to pose the question.

Didn't mean to irk anyone.
 
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Looks over complicated to me. I would go for center off MK switches.

Sometimes I install a grid key switch to control auto mode, with a single one way switch to apply power to the lamp for override. No point in two way switches IMO, it just makes it more confusing than it needs to be.
Cheers Lectrician, thanks for taking the time to reply.

Yeah I can't argue with your point. However as it is only me who will be using the switch as it stands, and I'm probably going to label the faceplate anyway, I can live with the confusing element for the time being.

Those 3-way MK switches are around £7-£9 each in the suppliers around me and I needed two. Money is tight so I went for the cheaper option because I wasn't 100% sure of success. Since then I've discovered a similar switch for £3.79 delivered (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/160883130828) by the manufacturer Selectric - ever used any of their stuff?
 
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