Install Second Hall Light and 4 gang caste iron switch

unionworkeruk · 17 Aug 2019

I want to install a second light in the hallway. The area can be reached through the upstairs floorboards which I can easily lift. I assume they will be able to break into the circuit from the same place and it will have to be operated from the same switch as the first light which is 4 metres away in the hallway hall near the first light . I would really like it attached to a spare switch in the hall switch board but think that would mean lifting about 4 metres of floor boards in the rooms upstairs.

I also need to replace the 3 gang plastic light switch in the hall with a four gang cast iron switch which is a repro so has modern fittings.

Is this a practical job and roughly how much will it cost me for new wiring, drilling and fitting both the light and the 4 gang switch ?

Taylortwocities · 17 Aug 2019

Wiring to a second light is simply cabling from the existing light (is that what you mean by “the same place”) to the new one, so simples.
Having the second light on a different switch may be easy, it may be difficult. How difficult and cost are bound together

You need to get some quotes from people who have seen the site and it’s wiring.

unionworkeruk · 17 Aug 2019

I have the choice of running it from the same gang as the existing light cable under the floorboards upstairs or from a separate gang which would mean breaking into the cable closer to the switch and attachig it to a separate switch. I know I need to get some electricians to look at it before quoting but I would like a rough idea what to expect between minimum and maximum
Last time I gave a job out to a roofer I was quoted £700 for a job that ended up taking 30 minutes and that was a lot of hassle when I refused to pay. I dont want the same problem with this !

Harry Bloomfield · 17 Aug 2019

As above, but if you were thinking of doing it, do make sure that cast iron switch is properly earthed.

Easy way for the extra lighting pint, is to loop it from the existing one - it become much more difficult if you want it on its own switch. It would need one extra wire (switch wire) from the light, down to the switch position, sourcing the neutral and earth from the existing light in the hall. You must ensure you source the live to the new switch, from the existing hall switch, to avoid the possibility of a crossed nuetral.

winston1 · 17 Aug 2019

unionworkeruk said:
I have the choice of running it from the same gang as the existing light cable under the floorboards upstairs or from a separate gang which would mean breaking into the cable closer to the switch and attachig it to a separate switch. I know I need to get some electricians to look at it before quoting but I would like a rough idea what to expect between minimum and maximum
Last time I gave a job out to a roofer I was quoted £700 for a job that ended up taking 30 minutes and that was a lot of hassle when I refused to pay. I dont want the same problem with this !

Why did you not ask him/her for an estimate first?

unionworkeruk · 17 Aug 2019

I did. £700 was the estimate.

unionworkeruk · 17 Aug 2019

I am not thinking of doing it myself Dont want to risk it but would like a rough idea of what it would cost doing it the easy way you describe or the hard way Then I can judge which quotes are more realistic To the nearest £100 would be a help

Risteard · 18 Aug 2019

unionworkeruk said:
I did. £700 was the estimate.

So what gave you the right not to pay it then?

unionworkeruk · 18 Aug 2019

Risteard Because he lied about the amount of work involved. I think £700 an hour is excessive dont you ?

Taylortwocities · 18 Aug 2019

To return to the thread. There are several ways that lighting circuits are wired.
For your requirement to add a switch, the easiest option is if your switch has been wired with “loop in” at the switch.
To run that to a new light will cost £.
If the wiring is loop in at the existing light it will cost £ plus some more £.
Other versions are the old octopus junction box and other weirder methods.
Those will cost £ + £ plus of minus some.

It all depends on what is there, and the logistics of running new wiring.
Only by getting an electrician to see the situation will provide an informed estimate. Otherwise it’s down to this

Untitled

Taylortwocities
2 Jan 2010
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unionworkeruk · 18 Aug 2019

"It all depends on what is there, and the logistics of running new wiring.
Only by getting an electrician to see the situation will provide an informed estimate. Otherwise it’s down to this".

I prefer grandmas prediction to no idea at all of the cost., Is it likely to be £100 or £1000 ? All jobs I do or others do for me, I and they give a rough estimate from the initial description then an informed estimate and quote after seeing the job. If their initial estimate is £1000 then I am not interested but if I know it is in the region of £2-300 then I will be and it is worth their while having a look.

I am a painter If anyone wants a simply paint job for a room I can estimate £300 - £400, strip and paper add £200-£300, then they can decide if it is wortha visit for a quote. Thats all I want - a rough estimate within a few hundred but no one seems able to give one although I can get them from all other trades

Read more: https://www.diynot.com/diy/threads/...-gang-caste-iron-switch.527942/#ixzz5ww448mDt

AndyPRK · 18 Aug 2019

If you can lift floor boards, I’m sure you can fit the light.

Run some 1mm twin and earth cable direct to the other light location. And connect up.

If the wiring is from the 1960s and has no earth you should not be adding metal lights.

Take some picture of the existing lights wiring if you wish

Risteard · 18 Aug 2019

unionworkeruk said:
Risteard Because he lied about the amount of work involved. I think £700 an hour is excessive dont you ?

It's completely irrelevant whether I feel that it's excessive or not. The simple fact is that you agreed to that price for the job, and therefore you're legally and morally obliged to pay it.

unionworkeruk · 18 Aug 2019

No I am not, if the guy lied about the amount of work needed compared to the work done. I also left a stinging report on his trying to con me on the agency site I got him from. I told him to take me to court if he wanted but strangely not a word. I am not morally or legally bound to pay a con artist. No written quote and cash in hand demanded as soon as he arrived Sure I am going to pay him for work not done.

Risteard · 18 Aug 2019

unionworkeruk said:
No I am not, if the guy lied about the amount of work needed compared to the work done. I also left a stinging report on his trying to con me on the agency site I got him from. I told him to take me to court if he wanted but strangely not a word. I am not morally or legally bound to pay a con artist. No written quote and cash in hand demanded as soon as he arrived Sure I am going to pay him for work not done.

Absolute nonsense.

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Install Second Hall Light and 4 gang caste iron switch

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