2 way switching - connecting lamps at both switches

[phatboy]

Hi,

I feel a bit silly for asking, but I can't figure it out.

I have a situation with 2 way switching, 3C+E between the 2 switch points.

Is it possible to connect a lamp fitting directly to each switch and have the system work? Can the COM strapper be used as a neutral? I think it can, but would like to clarify!

I think I have seen a similar setup once before but I cannot totally remember.

Thanks for any help.

 

[RF Lighting]

I presume you've got a live and neutral feed at one of the switches?

 

[EFLImpudence]

You cannot use a strapper as a neutral.

What do you think would happen when you switched the power back on?


It would be possible to do what you want only if a neutral was available at the switches - or at the light position but then you would not be wanting to do it.

 

[phatboy]

I rushed back to my laptop to change the bit about using the strapper as neutral as I quickly realised it was stupid, but too slow!

Yes one of the switches has a L+N feed.

 

[RF Lighting]

No you can only supply the light from one switch or the other, but not one from each if you just have a 3 core between the two switches.

 

[phatboy]

Thanks.

Can you explain how the setup in a hallway works (Mine included).

The power is supplied by the downstairs switch, but the lamps are connected via the upstairs switch. There is just a 3C+E between them, no borrowed neutrals.

I have looked at the wiki, but I can't see an example of this setup.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Can you explain how the setup in a hallway works (Mine included).

I would have said yes, but

The power is supplied by the downstairs switch, but the lamps are connected via the upstairs switch. There is just a 3C+E between them, no borrowed neutrals.

Are you sure?

You say there is a neutral at one switch.
Is this downstairs?

Are you sure one of the 3-core isn't already used as a neutral?

Where do you want to connect the new second light?

 

[AndyPRK]

In your case you have the supply at one switch
and light at the other switch.

2 strapper wires
and 1 neutral


When you have the supply and light at the same switch, you need all 3 wires as lives

 

[phatboy]

Yes definitely no borrowed neutrals

The neutral is downstairs

1 of the 3 cores could be neutral, I think this is where I get lost on this one

The connecting of a second light is not on this setup, but a similar one at my parents place where its not practical to connect from 1 lamp to the next.

 

[phatboy]

In your case you have the supply at one switch
and light at the other switch.

2 strapper wires
and 1 neutral

Can you explain that setup? This is what I can't understand, and it's a little frustrating!

 

[flameport]

This:

Untitled

• flameport
• 27 Jul 2014
• 1

Supply at one end, lamp at the other.
No way to add a second lamp at the first switch without extra wiring.

 

[AndyPRK]

maybe explain your parents one in more detail then

 

[phatboy]

Thanks Flameport, thats exactly what I needed to see!

Hopefully it can be added to the Wiki.

So I now need a new plan for their place... likely running either an extra neutral from the same circuit, or a T+E between the lamps (Although that will be an absolute nightmare).

 

[AndyPRK]

removed. wrong post

 

[phatboy]

There may be a standard wiring method but it is not the only way to do it.

Can you show me an alternative method then please ?

Yes but that doesn't say where the thermostat wires go.

Why not? The white valve wire selects heating on, therefore that is the output of the new controller.

I don't know how, but it seems you have managed to quote into the wrong thread? Very strange!!?