adding a 2nd lightswitch for 1st floor from new loft

[naziern]

Hi all, currently in the middle of a loft conversion.
I would like to control the switch on the floor below (1sr floor) from the loft.
This switch has the switched live from the light fitting and a 3 core and earth to floor below (ground floor) for 2 way switching.
Can i replace the switch on the 1st floor with an intermediate switch even though it has the connection to the light fitting?

The current wiring is identical to the wiring in the attached picture.

 

[Scally-Ho]

It's not as simple as replacing the switch plate --> Intermediate switching explained in easy-to-understand terms.

 

[pete01]

Yes, run a 3 core and earth from the first floor switch to the new switch

Feed joined onto brown to first common, strappers as normal then the brown back from the 2nd common joined to the switch wire, make sense?

I'll draw it out if I get chance

 

[morqthana]

Hi all, currently in the middle of a loft conversion.

But not using an electrician?

 

[SUNRAY]

moved to petes reply

 

[pete01]

Very very simple to change the existing upstairs switch with an intermediate, add a connector block, 3core and earth cable to the additional location and 2 way switch. Eccuse the mess and my apologies to flameport for altering your drawing:View attachment 385203

I like it

My way works doesn't it or was i talking rubbish

 

[ericmark]

I used smart switches and buttons, easier than running wires.

 

[SUNRAY]

Yes, run a 3 core and earth from the first floor switch to the new switch

Feed joined onto brown to first common, strappers as normal then the brown back from the 2nd common joined to the switch wire, make sense?

I'll draw it out if I get chance

Very very simple to change the existing upstairs switch with an intermediate, add a connector block, 3core and earth cable to the additional location and 2 way switch. Eccuse the mess and my apologies to flameport for altering your drawing:View attachment 385203

I'll park this here as it matches your description.

 

[SUNRAY]

I like it

My way works doesn't it or was i talking rubbish

I thought (but not long or hard) I'd done the same as you hence the reason I edited my reply to yoursthere were no answers when I started drawing but visitor held me up
Don't be confused I think we're saying the same thing.

 

[pete01]

I thought (but not long or hard) I'd done the same as you hence the reason I edited my reply to yours

Don't be confused I think we're saying the same thing.

No I was saying take the switched live and live out of the intermediate and connector block it with the connector blocked brown, but your way is better.

 

[SUNRAY]

It's not as simple as replacing the switch plate --> Intermediate switching explained in easy-to-understand terms.

Except it's not the way the current switches are wired

 

[naziern]

Thanks everyone for your responses, the diagram is very useful, many thanks.
When I did the house rewire, ran cables into the loft for ring main and lighting. Each have their own circuits in the CU.

Am running cables for the ring main and lighting circuits and then getting an electrician. Already have a 2 x 3 core and earth in the back box on the first floor light switch to do 2 way switching for 1st and 2nd floor.

 

[Murdochcat]

“Then getting an electrician”

Wrong way round buddy

You need to locate a spark willing to test your work BEFORE you do anything

And what are you BCO going to need to confirm the electrical installation before they will give you a completion certificate?

 

[FrodoOne]

Except it's not the way the current switches are wired

It might be a good idea NOT to use the word "current"
(if you mean "existing")
when writing/talking about "existing" electrical devices,
since "current" has a certain specific meaning in Electrical Technology.

 

[securespark]

There's no problem using that word, though is there?

Yes, of course "current" has a certain meaning in our language, but what danger do you think arises by using it in this manner?