2 way switching 2 lights lounge / dining room

vards01 · 2 Dec 2017

Hi all,

As per the title I'm looking for a circuit diagram of wiring 2 lights one in each room to be controlled from either switch (one in each room) independently. I have found the below image bar the colour change which would seem the correct way of doing this. Or is there a better way to achieve this in a lounge / diner scenario. This would be a blank canvas looping in where required.

Thanks in advance.

ericmark · 2 Dec 2017

On the original switch when changed instead of connecting com L1 you connect L1 and L2, with second switch it is three core cable like to like with original switch.

vards01 · 2 Dec 2017

ericmark said:
On the original switch when changed instead of connecting com L1 you connect L1 and L2, with second switch it is three core cable like to like with original switch.

I'm sorry I do not follow what you mean........and the diagram there is for one light, I was looking for two lights and two switches. I'm guessing you just meant I was to double this up.

Essentially what I am asking is what I have shown in my first post (wiring schematic) the way it would be done or would this setup only be used on a stair / landing setup?

ban-all-sheds · 2 Dec 2017

Doesn't matter if the switches and/or the lights are on different floors, the wiring is the same as the way you want it to work is the same.

EFLImpudence · 2 Dec 2017

It is not usual to have two-way switching for the hall light (with one upstairs).

Do you need or want that?

vards01 · 2 Dec 2017

EFLImpudence said:
It is not usual to have two-way switching for the hall light (with one upstairs).

Do you need or want that?

No I actually want it for the lounge / diner but this was the only schematic I could find..........just wondered if the wiring arrangement shown was the usual way of achieving this, ignoring the location.

EFLImpudence · 2 Dec 2017

Yes, it is the usual method.

A normal switch drop from light to one switch and three core (+ earth) between the switches.

vards01 · 2 Dec 2017

yes so each back box has 3 incoming cables 2 x 3+e core and 1 x 2+e

EFLImpudence · 2 Dec 2017

Yes, for two lights.

Don't get the 3 core cables muddled up.
2 core to L1 & L2 (when Com, L1,L2; some switches are L1,L2,L3 instead), and
3 core to all three (the only important thing is the same wire must be connected to Com at both ends)

vards01 · 2 Dec 2017

Yes so as per the pic I posted, I'll tape the ends to identify the 3 core, so not to get them muddled.

Is L3 the common in that instance you mention?

Thanks

EFLImpudence · 2 Dec 2017

No, L1 would be Common.

vards01 · 2 Dec 2017

EFLImpudence said:
No, L1 would be Common.

OK thanks for the info.

SUNRAY · 7 Dec 2017

EFLImpudence said:
It is not usual to have two-way switching for the hall light (with one upstairs).

Why not? It certainly is in every house I have lived in and not all installed by me. The town house had all 3 floors switched on all 3 floors (original build)

Do you need or want that?

Need? No. Want? yet especially with advancing years.

EFLImpudence · 7 Dec 2017

SUNRAY said:
Why not?

Well, to be entirely accurate, I would say because it is not necessary so most houses are not wired like that.

It certainly is in every house I have lived in and not all installed by me. The town house had all 3 floors switched on all 3 floors (original build)

Ok. Perhaps bigger three storey town houses are different. They probably have a switch at both ends of the hall as well.
They are a minority and more 'usual' houses are not.

Need? No. Want? yet especially with advancing years.

I don't see the relevance.

Do you mean so that you can switch on the hall light from upstairs before going down, or
can switch off the hall light from upstairs because you left it on by mistake when going up?

winston1 · 7 Dec 2017

EFLImpudence said:
It is not usual to have two-way switching for the hall light (with one upstairs).

Indeed it isn't. I don't know why as it is a very useful feature. I wired my house that way for that very reason.

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2 way switching 2 lights lounge / dining room

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