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X10 plug in modules. Or this, but it isn't X10.

You should also mark all lines and switched lines with a brown sleeve, at the ends, unless they are already brown (or red). All earth conductors should be sleeved with Green/Yellow. I'm sure I missed some other points. For example you should really do a whole load of tests, but I doubt...

You want something a bit like this but with the incoming L looped through the first rose, and all earths connected together: (ignore the colours on this picture, it was the best I could find) Inside the switch you connect the incoming L to both "Common"s. This is what your friend meant...

OK. Let me check I understand the situation. You have an existing light with ceiling rose. (Rose 1) You have a new light with ceiling rose (Rose 2) A 2 Core + Earth cable goes from consumer unit to Rose 1. A 3 Core + Earth cable goes from Rose 1 to the 2 gang switch. If that's all...

If the existing switch drop is only two core and earth, then you can't do it without putting new cable to the switch. You're unlikely to be able to pull new cable in without damaging decoration, unless it is run in conduit and you have access to the top.

I very much doubt it will be cheaper. Why don't you ring them up and ask what they would charge for Notification of DIY electrical work. Then get a quote from an electrician or three. Don't forget cost of materials. Then work out how much (if anything) you are saving and from that work out...

The drawing is a little unclear in couple of respects. The cable from the CU to the socket should be a little to the left so that it is under the socket. The vertical parts of the lighting cable look fine. Where exactly are you proposing to run the horizontal sections though? In the wall...

A block of flats was an example I had in the back of my mind too. I think I like your description of one big installation containing lots of smaller installations. If you apply the first half of 537.1.4, that implies a big switch that would isolate the whole lot, as well as an isolator for...

Interesting that you still refer to it as a single installation. I'll happily admit I'm wrong, but only if I someone can show me a logically consistent interpretation of the regs. I agree that the regs need to be applicable to all sorts of installations. For simplicity I'm concentrating on...

Why is an installation not allowed to have protective devices spread between multiple enclosures? If it includes the circuits that originate from it, which are in many enclosures and may incorporate further protective devices? Are the henley blocks before multiple CUs not part of an...

I'm willing to change me mind, but your silence isn't going to convince me.

Interesting. That goes against a lot of stuff I've seen. As I don't have my big red book with me, could you quote the relevant reg(s)? Edit: I found the relevant regulation. It is indeed quite clear.

I'm afraid not. I can see how it is convenient to consider them as two installations, but I have yet to see a logical argument why. Why is an installation not allowed to have protective devices spread between multiple enclosures? If it includes the circuits that originate from it, which...

That's a problem, but by putting it before you are doing a better job of complying with 132.15.1. That's why 537.1.4 says "as near as practicable to the origin" - i.e. as early as practically possible, so to isolate as much as practically possible. How does that change when the same...

Why do dual RCD CUs also have a main switch?

I've read the definition in part 2. I've read the arguments both ways and I've reached a decision I'm happy with. I don't go near industrial or commercial. To me 1 dwelling = 1 installation.

Perhaps my £20 minimum is on the high side. By cheap I mean the £1 jobs that use bog standard 4mm LEDs.

I never mentioned "entire building". I don't think it's unrealistic to expect a single switch to isolate an entire dwelling though. I look at what I think is the intent of the regs. The reason for requiring isolation to be as close as possible to the origin is so that as much as possible of...

There have been fierce debates over this in the past. In my opinion, having two DBs doesn't make it two installations. Others disagree and I have no desire to try and change there minds. If you want to hedge your bets, go for a single main switch for isolation. This also reduces the size...