Add a new light fitting from a light switch

[Rathilion]

Hi all,

Is it possible to add a new light fitting and power it from just an existing switch. I don't have access to any of the wires in the ceiling that the current switch operates. The light switch is near to where I would like the new light fitted so I was hoping to power it directly from there. I am happy for this switch to operate the current light and new proposed light. Just wanted to know if it was possible before getting an electrician in.

Any advise is welcome, thanks.

 

[Iggifer]

It all depends if you have a neutral at your switch. Best way to find out is to take the front off (with the power off) and take a peek. If there's just two cables that go into the switch, no cigar, if you have two into the switch then two (black/blue) in a connector block you are more than likely in luck

 

[Rathilion]

There are three wires plus an earth. There are what looks like two browns and a black wire. One of the brown wires and the black has some sleeving over it probably to show that it's a switched live. Would one of these three wires be the neutral?

 

[Rathilion]

The set up is 2 way switch (3 wire system). The neutral in this case is the switched live is that correct?

 

[riveralt]

I doubt you have a neutral at this switch. You are describing strappers on a two way switch.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Are any of the conductors joined in a connector block, or do they all go to the switch?

Colours are irrelevant - the electricity doesn't care.

You'll have more success if you spend a bit of time learning how it all works, and be safer - trying to do electrical work by a combination of guessing and following instructions to put-this-wire-in-that-hole without truly understanding why is a very bad idea.

• http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=electrical+circuits+(basics+OR+101)
  
  
• http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=uk+house+wiring+(basics+OR+101)
  
  
• //www.diynot.com/wiki/Electrics:Lighting
  
  
• //www.diynot.com/wiki/Electrics:books
  
  
• //www.diynot.com/wiki/Electrics:index

 

[ban-all-sheds]

The neutral in this case is the switched live is that correct?

No.

How can it be?

How can a switched live be a neutral?

PLEASE do some basic learning before trying to do any actual work.

 

[Iggifer]

Yea sounds very much like strappers. If you check the other place you can switch these same lights, there may be a neutral there - you would have to sacrifice the original light switch you posted about and only be able to switch it at the other postion, and rejig some cables but if there's a neutral at the other switch, it could be done.

 

[Rathilion]

This is how I think the current wiring is:
http://www.lightwiring.co.uk/two-way-switching-3-wire-system-new-harmonised-cable-colours/

Sorry read back what I wrote earlier. I meant to say that the switched live goes to the light which is hooked to neutral (diagram in link above).

 

[Iggifer]

If your lights are definitely wired as per that diagram, then no, you cannot add another light from either of those switches.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Your neutral, that you need to add another light, is looped in at the light fitting not at the switch, so if you propose to use the switch conductors only, you are not going to be able to do what you wish.

 

[Rathilion]

Thank you all for your advice.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I hope you use the time ahead of you more productively, from the POV of learning how light switching works, than you have used the last 10 years.