2 way switch and change of cable ?

[markus2025]

Hi guys can i ask some advice
regarding making my pendant light
2 way switchable.

im doing some bits in my sisters
house which is a older house then
mine at my house the switch live and the common come down on 2 separate cables and the neutrals into a connector block

however in her house its a different setup
there is only one cable at the pendant and one at the switch and then there is junction box in the loft what they go into

there is 4 cables in the junction box i presume supply coming in supply coming out then switchable supply going to the switch which is then linked in the junction box to the pendant

in this room only would i be able to chance this circuit and take supply down to the switch with live and a neutral and then bring it back up with another twin and earth like you would see in a more modern setup ?

also how would i go about wiring the 2 way switch ?

i will get some pictures up when i take them

once again in advance thanks for all your help

 

[ericmark]

I looked at the problem when we turned the dinning room into a temporary bedroom, wanted a switch at the bed head, the method I used was to fit a smart switch,

yes expensive for the first one, but no wiring involved, as it happened she wanted music so also a smart speaker

which resulted in the remote switch not being required as she could use voice commands. The button was re-used as a doorbell push.

 

[ETAF]

when ou say take it down are you re chasing the walls ??

have a think about maybe remote bulbs/switches maybe

Two way switched lighting circuits #1

Wiring details for two way lighting circuits as used in the UK

flameport.com

there is 4 cables in the junction box i presume supply coming in supply coming out then switchable supply going to the switch which is then linked in the junction box to the pendant

pretty much like this

Looped Ceiling Rose

Description and illustration of a looped ceiling rose

flameport.com

 

[AndyPRK]

What are you trying to achieve ?

2 switches to control the light

Or a neutral at the switch because of some smart system ?

 

[pete01]

Just take a 3 core and earth from the original switch to where you want the new switch

 

[markus2025]

Hi thanks for reply i dont kind of want to go down the way of a smart bulb system this is a empty house and the whole room is getting plastered so im happy to make a mess lets say lol

the whole wiring does want upgraded but thats a cost factor that cant be covered at the moment but while im doing this room at least im gonna redo the cables


here is some images of what i have so from my view

i have LN supply coming into the box 2 switch lives going from the box one to the switch in this room one to the room next door

and then 2 pendant feeds again on for this room and one for next door

so in the change for the new cable im looking at taking live and neutral from this J box down to the switches then cable back up to the pendants

but i want to add another switch in this room next to the bed so it can be 2 way switch on and off at the bedside and on and off on the wall

 

[ETAF]

why do you want neutral at the switches ????
pete01 said -

Just take a 3 core and earth from the original switch to where you want the new switch

thats the simplest thing

EDIT
or use a pull cord at the bed - joking , i have installed on e like that in the 80's

 

[AndyPRK]

regardless whether is a "new" or "old" layout, best thing to do is run 3C+E between the switches.

If you are going to replace the switch drop, leave it long enough to reach a ceiling rose.

 

[pete01]

The earths aren't connected in that injunction box, bit of investigation needed and a new junction box...maybe.

 

[AndyPRK]

probably "joined" under the junction box

It keeps all those bare wires away from harm

 

[Murdochcat]

How old is the wiring?

 

[markus2025]

Thanks again guys for the advise

Yes the earths are twisted all behind on the back of the box

So yeah 3c and e seems the best option

i was just going with the line of taking N to the switch just to future proof it if any smart switch or something ever ended up wanting to be added

So Working from that junction box what would be my run ?

To the first switch then to the next and the rose like how would it be configure

Thanks all once again

 

[markus2025]

Also yeah the cable is pritty old and its on a old board but for now it really is going to have to do with the small upgrades then it will be getting someone in to do the main work at the board and such

 

[pete01]

i was just going with the line of taking N to the switch just to future proof it if any smart switch or something ever ended up wanting to be added

Change the original 2c and earth switch drop for a 3 core and earth then while you're messing, and fit a 35mm back box or a 25mm box sunk a bit deeper.

 

[sparkwright]

Do you require a neutral at BOTH switches?