2 way lightning

@securespark

I don't think I need to know, these switches allow a tiny amount of current through which is enough for it to tap off and power the electronics. I don't think it matters which way I wire them (at least the ones I've installed I've not paid any attention to it and they work) there's a nice YouTube video on them by SuperHouseTV #34.

Thanks for all the help.

paulbristol said:

Hi,

.......

The reason for all this is that I've got a WiFi switch which doesn't require neutral, but doesn't support 2way switching.

Thanks
Paul

Click to expand...

Ahh, the joys of bodging up a smart home. If this is a hall or landing light you'll quickly get bored of firing up the app to turn the light on before trotting downstairs to get the kettle on- eventually you'll trip over something in the gloom.

Far better to bite the bullet and get a smart switch that does cope with 2 way switching - Google gives me several but they all require a neutral. Depending on EXACTLY how your existing setup is wired you MAY be able to use one of the snipped-off BLACK cores to acquire a neutral (remember it doesn't matter which switch you replace). You would have to be careful to avoid borrowed neutral here - in a modern install with multiple RCDs that'll cause all kinds of bother as well as being very bad practice.

An aside on your 'miniscule current'- if you fit an LED bulb (which would be sensible) your WiFi switch may not control it properly (the miniscule running current will probably be enough to leave it either glowing when off or pulsing on every so often when off. Plus that miniscule current is not free- every 1W you have as background load (continually powered up 24/7) costs you about £1.20 per year at 15p/kWh.

Here's potentially 2 ways to get a neutral to either switch

Thanks for the comments. This hallway has no legitimate need for two switches. They are less than 3 meters apart (both on ground floor), I would fully agree regarding my landing light, and I don't intend to replace that one because of the genuine benefits two switching delivers here.

The 2nd switch is between the two doors.

Regarding LED lights, I'm aware of this but from testing on a led strip bar I have, it seems to work fine. Maybe more of an issue on a single led bulb though

Lowish risk there agreed..... Do check your switch will operate whatever lamp you're planning on fitting in the hall
DOH- crosspost. Yes the lower the load the greater the odds of flickering/glowing nonsense plus there's the energy consumption