can I run a 1 way switch off the 2nd of two 2 way switches?

[pw1001]

Hi

I'm trying to run a new one way light switch by sourcing power from a nearby existing two way switch. The existing two way is wired up with two wires coming from the wall: one has its red to L1 and the black to L2, the other just has a black to C and there's no other wire coming out of it (I'm not sure if this is correct as it was installed by the previous owners but it works OK). I thought I could power my new one way switch (and associated light) by running a wire into the existing two way by connecting the red to C and black to L1 but it won't work. Can anyone tell me the correct way to do it please?

Paul

 

[breezer]

see the sticky post, or look in the wiki.

look for 2 way lighting, this shows how it is done, and so why it is your idea will not work.

it also shows how it should be done

 

[pw1001]

see the sticky post, or look in the wiki.

look for 2 way lighting, this shows how it is done, and so why it is your idea will not work.

it also shows how it should be done

Breezer, I'm sorry if I've irritated you by asking something you think is already answered but I did look thru the wiki before posting and couldn't find the answer - still can't. I'm afraid I don't know what a "sticky post" is but would be happy to look there too if you can tell me where to find it please.

Paul

 

[harrry]

If you want to control a light with one switch, you need a one way switch.
If yoou want to control a light with two switched, yoou need 2 (No) two way switches.
However if you want any more you will need additional INTERMEDIATE SWITCHES.
You can have as many as you like. They have four terminals. They fit in the two wires linking the L2 and L2 terminals in the two way switches, intercepting BOTH.
Basically, in on switch position, the two "strappers" (as they are called) wires are linked straight through. When you operate the switch the wires are "crossed over".
If you want an additional light, you can pick up a live only from one of the two way switches (The "common" terminal) One switch has a permanent live "common" the other switch has a "common" only live when the light is on. You want the permanently live one.
The neutral will have to be picked up from another light

The above is on the assumption that you system is wired by the traditional method.
However these days lights are wired by the three plate/terminal method
To determine if this is the case, you will have to look at cieling rosei If there are three termiinal with wires going to them, (neglecting earth wires) this is the current method of wiring.
The terminals are L, N, and the switch wire (ie only energised when the light is on.)
If this is the case then the place to start your new wires is from here, not from the switch.

 

[333rocky333]

This is the sticky post
http://www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=7553

Basically there may not be a neutral at the old switch.

In lighting black is not always a neutral, especially when it is already connected to L1, L2 or com

 

[breezer]

pw1001, the sticky post is there for all to see, perhaps you could not see the wood for the trees?

________________________________________
harry, wrong tree mate.