Adding another switch to the existing one

[emphasis303]

Hi

I have just changed my standard light switch to a dimmer switch, it has L1 and L2, I connected the live wire to L1 and now L2 is free.

I now want to create another switch at the other end of the room so that i dont have to run up the end to turn the lights on and off. Im not sure how to do this and would appreciate peoples input.

Thanks alot for your time

 

[davy_owen_88]

You'll need some green & yellow sleeving, a suitable switch/dimmer and some 3-core and earth cable.

All you need to do is link the terminals together. C - C, L1 - L1 and L2 - L2. Sleeve the earth's and connect to backbox/switch front.

 

[emphasis303]

thanks for your swift reply, I am a complete begginer at all of this and am a bit confused even though you have shown me a diagram.

Is the 3core the copper wire? and how do I connect the L1 and L2 of the original switch to the L1 and L2 of the new switch and also how do i connect the earth wire of the original earth, Do i just rap the points around the new wires and then place them back into the original light switch and run it along to the new dimmer? Or do i have to solder them together, or do i just place it in the same L1 and L2 terminals?


Also if i were to get someone in to do this how much would they charge?

Thanks for all your help

 

[davy_owen_88]

3 core and earth cable has 3 separate insulated cables and one bare 'earth' conductor. You can NOT use twin and earth cable for 2-way lighting by utilising the earth as a live conductor.

3-core and earth
green & yellow sleeving

You need to put the cables into the same terminals, do not just twist them together. There should be an earth terminal either on the switch itself, or on the backbox - this is where you connect the earth conductor after sleeving it g&y.

The cost will vary greatly according to location and a number of other factors. If you want an idea of cost, then get 3 quotes from local, registered electricians.

 

[emphasis303]

Hi

Thanks alot for your help, Ive decided I will rather get an electrician in than fiddle with something likes this.

One other thing is that since changing my original on and off switch the new light switch gets very very hot, is this normal for dimmer switches? as i have a twin switch in another room and it doesnt feel this hot at all.

Thanks alot

 

[CallEdsFirst]

How hot is hot? It shouldn't get to what I would call "very very hot".

Dimmers have a rating that tells you how many lights and which types of light can be controlled by it essentially. Use the wrong kind of dimmer for the lights you have or overload it with too many, and you might see more "hotness" than you want!

MIB "Old & Busted, New Hotness!"

 

[emphasis303]

hi thanks for the reply

it gets hot, not boiling that its burning ur hand but after a minute or so of touching it it is stinging a bit, i used a 500w dimmer switch its a 2way one with one knob but i am only using 250w connection if that sounds rights and with five 60w bulbs.

Thank alot

 

[CallEdsFirst]

i used a 500w dimmer switch its a 2way one with one knob but i am only using 250w connection if that sounds rights and with five 60w bulbs.

Not sure what you mean "250w Connection"

What sort of lamps are the 60w ones? Im guessing just normal GLS "lightbulbs", it really ought not be running that hot unless something is wrong!