2 light cables into switch, single light, want to cap off

[alex_dis]

Hi there,

I've had a look to see if something similar has been posted previously, but can't see anything specific.

New property and the bedroom has a double gang dimmer switch. There is only 1 light in the bedroom (and this is controlled by one of the switches).

Wanted to change this to a single dimmer as 2 switches are uneccessary - and I keep pressing the wrong one!

When opening up the light switch box, see two light cable wires going into the double-gang dimmer. So presumably the bedroom used to have 2 lights controlled by 2 switches.

Question is - how can I install a single dimmer and cap off the second cable wires safely?

I'm guessing the second cable is live as it has been wired to the switch. Can I just use a plastic junction box (or similar) and some insulation tape? Not sure there'll be enough space behind the plate to accomodate this though.

thanks.

 

[OwainDIYer]

you can just terminate the unused cables in some choc block terminal strip inside the existing back box.

 

[AndyPRK]

are there any spare sockets for bedside lights maybe, that the 2nd switch could control ?

 

[ekmdgrf]

Just to check, those two cables do definitely go to separate gangs and not both to the same gang?

 

[alex_dis]

Just to check, those two cables do definitely go to separate gangs and not both to the same gang?

Yes, cables definitely go to separate gangs

 

[alex_dis]

are there any spare sockets for bedside lights maybe, that the 2nd switch could control ?

'fraid not.

Not sure why someone had once installed 2 lights, as it's fairly small room (3m x 3m). Maybe the second switch powered a fan or something(?)

Anyway, it appears the previous owners couldn't be bothered to find a solution so just put a 2-gang switch on instead.

 

[alex_dis]

you can just terminate the unused cables in some choc block terminal strip inside the existing back box.

Thanks, do I just attach Earth, Live and Neutral wires to one side of the strip without any additional insulation?

 

[JohnW2]

Thanks, do I just attach Earth, Live and Neutral wires to one side of the strip without any additional insulation?

Yes, but you'll also need to put a little bit of green/yellow sleeving on the bare 'earth' wire.

Kind Regards, John

 

[EFLImpudence]

Wouldn't connecting the CPC(earth wire) to the earth terminal be desirable?

 

[JohnW2]

Wouldn't connecting the CPC(earth wire) to the earth terminal be desirable?

I thought about suggesting that (which is probably what I would do), but decided that it was slightly more complicated for the OP, and I couldn't really think of a particularly compelling reason for doing it - do I take it that you disagree?

Kind Regards, John

 

[EFLImpudence]

Not certain. That's why I formed it as a question.

It depends where the cable goes.
I suppose if there was a reason to connect it, it will be earthed at the other end.





I'd like to connect them all to earth but can't tell from here.

 

[JohnW2]

Not certain. That's why I formed it as a question. It depends where the cable goes. I suppose if there was a reason to connect it, it will be earthed at the other end.

As I said, I did consider this question. In the end, I decided that it's no different from, say, the CPC in a cable going to a Class II item - i.e. all one needs is to find somewhere to 'park it'. As you say/imply, if it's a 'live' cable, teh CPC should be connected at the other end.

I'd like to connect them all to earth but can't tell from here.

As I said, that's probably what I would do - but probably only through 'habit'. I can't really think of any particular benefit in deliberately creating 'earth loops'.

alex_diz: I don't think you should worry about these subsequent exchange between EFLI and myself. You can either do as you said, and put all three wires into one side of a connector block or, if you'd prefer, and if there is an earth terminal in the back box (or on the switch plate), you could connect the earth wire (with G/Y sleeving) to that, and the other two (live and neutral) wires to a connector block.

Kind Regards, John

 

[alex_dis]

alex_diz: I don't think you should worry about these subsequent exchange between EFLI and myself. You can either do as you said, and put all three wires into one side of a connector block or, if you'd prefer, and if there is an earth terminal in the back box (or on the switch plate), you could connect the earth wire (with G/Y sleeving) to that, and the other two (live and neutral) wires to a connector block.

Kind Regards, John

OK - thanks John (and everyone else who responded)

 

[JohnW2]

OK - thanks John (and everyone else who responded)

You're welcome.

Kind Regards, John