convert 2 gang light switch to 2 1 gang switches

[willow-warbler]

Hello,
Some advice please.
I'd like to split an existing 2 gang switch which supplies two seperate light fittings in to two seperate switches. I've attached a photo. Both cables are live feeds. I have access to the ceiling above and the cable is set in trunking.
help appreciated

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Why do you want to do this?

And since each new switch will look much like one half of what you have now, what help do you need?

 

[mwatsonxx]

Are the earth wires connected to that back box? They should be.
You must first test the earth wires to confirm that they are individual earths. If they are individual you can move the new switches to where ever you like. If not you must maintain earth continuity between the two earth wires.

 

[willow-warbler]

Hi
Thanks for the response. I've divided the room so would like to put one switch on the new wall. The earths are attached to the back of the box.
The current wiring is shown in the attached diagram - how do I rewire to 2 1 gang switches? thanks

 

[mwatsonxx]

Your switch connections are wrong even though they work, see attached modified sketch, this also demonstrates the simplicity of what you want to do. As long as the earths are indivdual.

 

[DetlefSchmitz]

What he said. But also make sure you are aware of the definition of safe zones.

 

[willow-warbler]

Thanks mwatsonxx I thought it looked strange - hence the post.
Threw me as it still works correctly. Will test and let you know how I get on

 

[ban-all-sheds]

What you drew looked strange because you didn't draw what you have, and you did not draw anything which could have worked.

That you thought for one second that it could possibly be that way shows that you really ought to learn a bit more about how things work before you fiddle with them. Trying to do electrical work without a full and genuine understanding of what you are doing is foolish. Trying to do it by following insert-this-wire-into-that-hole without truly knowing why is foolish.

Please take a step back and invest some time in learning.

• https://www.diynot.com/wiki/Electrics:Lighting
  
  
• http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=electrical+circuits+101
  
  
• http://wiki.diyfaq.org.uk/index.php/House_Wiring_for_Beginners
  
  
• http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=uk+house+wiring+(basics+OR+101)
  
  
• http://kevinboone.net/electricity.html
  
  
• http://web.archive.org/web/20080213151445/http://www.kevinboone.com/domesticinstallations.html
  
  
• https://www.diynot.com/wiki/Electrics:books
  
  
• https://www.diynot.com/wiki/Electrics:index

 

[willow-warbler]

Thanks - I take your point, but I have drawn exactly what is shown in the diagram - thanks for noticing

(attached again is the photo from the first post)

 

[EFLImpudence]

The OP did draw what he has - which is why he was confused about separating the switches.
It still works, though.
Watson drew what the OP should have - which, had it been like that, would not have caused him to be confused.

Swap the blues.

 

[JohnW2]

What you drew looked strange because you didn't draw what you have, and you did not draw anything which could have worked.

If both browns were permanent Ls and both blues were S/Ls (or vice versa), then I think it would "work", wouldn't it?

Kind Regards, John

 

[Taylortwocities]

It will work, assuming the two lives (the brown ones) are on the same circuit on the consumer unit.
They'll also work if both neutrals are on the same N bus in the consumer unit. RCD trip if they aren't.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Well, a lot of people think the terminals at one end are one switch and the terminals at the other, the other.

OP did draw two correct rectangles, though.

 

[JohnW2]

It will work, assuming the two lives (the brown ones) are on the same circuit on the consumer unit. ... They'll also work if both neutrals are on the same N bus in the consumer unit. RCD trip if they aren't.

Provided that both neutrals are on the same N bus, it would also work if the two Ls were on different circuits (but same RCD) wouldn't it?

However, as has been said, I would think that it arose through a lack of understanding on someone's part, since (as BAS has said) I can't see that a 'knowing' person would do it deliberately.

Kind Regards, John

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I would think that it arose through a lack of understanding on someone's part, since (as BAS has said) I can't see that a 'knowing' person would do it deliberately.

It is just so daft - remove one light and the other one stops working. I just got caught up in looking at each one isolation.

So

for me, and apologies to all concerned.