Bathroom wall lights and two gang switch

[Williamraff]

Hi folks, as above I have fitted two bathroom wall lights on the same feed as the main bathroom light - I would like to be able to control these independently via a two gang switch.

Am I right in thinking that i will have to run a new feed from the lights to a new two gang switch - If so would anyone be able to post a diagram of the correct wiring up required for the new two gang switch?

I will of course have the work inspected by a qualified person.

Many thanks, Will.

 

[EFLImpudence]

If you have wired your two new lights to the existing ceiling light then you will onlyneed another wire from the ceiling light to the switch position.

If there is a loft above you may be lucky and find conduit down to the switch.

 

[Williamraff]

If you have wired your two new lights to the existing ceiling light then you will onlyneed another wire from the ceiling light to the switch position.

If there is a loft above you may be lucky and find conduit down to the switch.

Hi and thanks for the response, I was wondering if that would be the case. The loft is directly above the bathroom and the switch is wall mounted just outside the bathroom.

I was wondering if I could just take a feed from the new switch directly to the wall lights -would that be possible?

 

[EFLImpudence]

Well, you could but there is no need if you have already connected to the present light.

I can't see how that would be easier.

 

[Williamraff]

Well, you could but there is no need if you have already connected to the present light.

I can't see how that would be easier.

The feed from the main light was already on the wall - it used to power a previous mirror light. I just tapped into it, I didn't create a new feed.

The existing light switch is only about a metre away from the wall lights so if possible it would be easier to connect directly into that.

Thanks, Will.

 

[EFLImpudence]

You're getting into all sorts of complications:

How have you installed the cables from the now vacant mirror position?

Work within these zones is notifiable to the Local Authority -
//www.diynot.com/wiki/Electrics:bathroom_zones

Concealed cables must only be installed in these zones -
//www.diynot.com/wiki/Electrics:walls

They will require RCD protection.

 

[Williamraff]

You're getting into all sorts of complications:

How have you installed the cables from the now vacant mirror position?

Work within these zones is notifiable to the Local Authority -
//www.diynot.com/wiki/Electrics:bathroom_zones

Concealed cables must only be installed in these zones -
//www.diynot.com/wiki/Electrics:walls

They will require RCD protection.

Thanks for your response - it is greatly appreciated.

I have removed the plaster from the wall, recessed the brick work and connected the new lights to the existing feed with a block connector, I will cover this with trunking / conduit before I re-plaster.

Would this still be notifiable if I used a NICEIC or equivalent Electrician?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I have removed the plaster from the wall, recessed the brick work and connected the new lights to the existing feed with a block connector, I will cover this with trunking / conduit before I re-plaster.

No - non maintenance-free joints must remain accessible.

Plus will the newly buried cable(s) be in the correct zone(s), and RCD protected?

Would this still be notifiable if I used a NICEIC or equivalent Electrician?

Yes, but they do it after the event for a nominal sum - it will all be included.

 

[Williamraff]

I have removed the plaster from the wall, recessed the brick work and connected the new lights to the existing feed with a block connector, I will cover this with trunking / conduit before I re-plaster.

No - non maintenance-free joints must remain accessible.

Plus will the newly buried cable(s) be in the correct zone(s), and RCD protected?

Would this still be notifiable if I used a NICEIC or equivalent Electrician?

Yes, but they do it after the event for a nominal sum - it will all be included.

Hi, thanks for the links - the works are outside of zone two and the consumer unit is RCD protected.

I found this diagram detailing how to wire wall lights up and have followed the instructions but the wall lights will only switch on and off if I have the main light on.

Is there any way I can make the wall lights work independently of the main light or am I snookered because I am relying on the feed from the main light to power the wall lights?

Thanks for your input so far, it is much appreciated,

Will.

Untitled

• Williamraff
• 9 Nov 2014
• 1

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Hi, thanks for the links - the works are outside of zone two

It wasn't bathroom zones I meant - it was the ones for buried cables.

and the consumer unit is RCD protected.

All circuits?

I found this diagram detailing how to wire wall lights up and have followed the instructions but the wall lights will only switch on and off if I have the main light on.

Then you can't have followed the instructions - you've taken the supply for the wall lights from the switched live at the main light, not the permanent live. I can't read the diagram, it's far too small, but I don't suppose it told you to do that.

Is there any way I can make the wall lights work independently of the main light

Yes, take a permanent live to the wall light switch, not the switched live from the ceiling light.


I really think you should learn more about the things you want to fiddle with.

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