Any ideas guys?!?

[onedaymyfriend]

Evening guys!

I live in, whats know as a Q-Type house?? I currently have a single light switch just inside my front door & one at the top of the stairs. The only problem is, each switch controls both lights.

Can I install a double dimmer downstairs & a double switch upstairs? I know absolutely nothing about domestic electrics, so i do apologise in advance if my question is totally ridiculous.

Thank you for your time,

Darren

 

[EdwardCurrent]

Hello

A dimmer switch on a stairway ???
Why do you want to do this please ?.


Ed

 

[Taylortwocities]

I'm not sure that the house type matters very much.
The lighting circuit will most likely be wired as described here:
http://www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:lighting:two_way_lighting

Assuming you have dimmable lights you should be able to install a dimmer at one of the switch locations (not both).

 

[flameport]

If you want separate switches for each light, this can be done, but only with rewiring - i.e cutting channels in the walls for new cables, or putting them on the surface in plastic trunking etc.

You could change one of the existing switches for a dimmer - however dimmer switches are NOT a good idea on stairs.

 

[onedaymyfriend]

Oh sorry,

I'm after a dimmer in the front room, with just a normal double switch at the top of the stairs. If there is such thing as a double switch with one dimmer and one normal switch, that would be good for the living room. I basically want to separate the the operation of each light.

Hope that makes more sense,

Darren

 

[Taylortwocities]

You will need to buy a grid switch with a switch module and a dimmer module. Simples!

 

[flameport]

The grid switches will certainly get you a switch and dimmer on one plate, but the wiring to the switches and the light fittings will still need to be altered/replaced to separate the two lights.

 

[JohnD]

as flameport says

unless you have good access under the upper floor and in the loft (no laminate flooring or fitted carpet); and the cables to the switches are run in conduit, it will be very disruptive, involving hacking plaster off the walls and taking the floors up.

I wouldn't bother.

You could make a note to have it done next time you are about to redecorate though