Changing a 1 gang 1 way light switch into a 1 gang 2 way?

Joined
29 Feb 2024
Messages
23
Reaction score
0
Country
United Kingdom
Ok, I've made a bit of a mess of my hall lighting.

When we come in the front door at night, it is pitch black. So I bought two of these LED timers off Amazon - https://www.amazon.co.uk/illuminate...01M25SSAI/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8 - which are supposed to be 2 way as it says. But they're not.. there's only a Line In and a Line Out. Obviously the hallway already has 2x 1 gang 2 way switches which I thought would be a straight swap. There don't seem to be any 2 way versions.
I'm wondering if there's a way to make it work?
I've drawn out some switching which appears to work but I think in one of the permutations, the live at switch 2 gets switched back to the switched live at switch 1. See my diagram.
Any suggestions most welcome!
 

Attachments

  • LED Switches.png
    LED Switches.png
    11 KB · Views: 31
Sponsored Links
When Switch 1 is on, and someone presses the switch at Switch 2 (where the light is on), the live would be switched back to Switch 1 in addition, creating a loop? I thought that might risk a short of some sort.. I'm thinking of illogical usage, like a child hitting it repeatedly even though the light is on..
I'll try it and report back!
 
Just wire the two SPST Timer Switches in parallel - as shown below.

2 Timers,jjpg.jpg


If either switch is "operated", the light will stay ON for the time delay set for that switch.
If the other switch is then "operated", the light will stay ON for the time delay set for that switch also.
When the "Time is Up" on BOTH switches, the light will go OFF.
 
Sponsored Links
I like your drawing skills FrodoOne!

So, it worked!!! I had to use a PFCC capacitor the ceiling rose though, between the switched live and neutral.. so right now it's sticking out of the ceiling just hanging... I will need to either tape it all up and push into the void (maybe a bad idea), or fit a junction box beside the light fitting (ugly)... any ideas?
 
Last edited:
I like your drawing skills FrodoOne!

So, it worked!!! I had to use a PFCC capacitor the ceiling rose though, between the switched live and neutral.. so right now it's sticking out of the ceiling just hanging... I will need to either tape it all up and push into the void (maybe a bad idea), or fit a junction box beside the light fitting (ugly)... any ideas?
Yes I agree it is a good drawing but just in case you didn't realise it is the same as yours :)

I'd not be expecting to use a PFCC for the purpose, I'd expect to find a spark quench/snubber, this was the first hit on google for me but there are loads of different options and some I expec to be able to accomodate in a ceiling rose: https://shellystore.co.uk/product/r...5DNi1Tkmh-2gAUFtTmHuRTC9uxo2unExoC9R4QAvD_BwE
 
Thanks chaps don't know what to do with the cables now. Sunray I don't think it would fit in the fitting, it's a cheapy flush fitting from B&Q

Maybe I should install a backbox next to the joist and a blank plate on the front. Ugly looking though.
 

Attachments

  • 20240402_134441.jpg
    20240402_134441.jpg
    89.5 KB · Views: 22
Thanks chaps don't know what to do with the cables now. Sunray I don't think it would fit in the fitting, it's a cheapy flush fitting from B&Q

Maybe I should install a backbox next to the joist and a blank plate on the front. Ugly looking though.
Perhaps a wago box and enlarge the ceiling hole but If that was mine I think I'd find a way to get it in the fitting.
 
Oh the fitting is a right pain, it comes in in the middle of the fitting but there's no room for anything. Hoping to resume over the weekend.

I'm actually thinking to myself now how to make it a 3 way, for a future project. Maybe it can't be done, these led timers are limited, will fiddle about with some diagrams.

Edit: I reckon they can be daisy chained in the same manner...
 
Last edited:

DIYnot Local

Staff member

If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.

Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.


Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local

 
Sponsored Links
Back
Top