convert 2 gang hallway switch to 3 gang

[al ellis]

Hi All, I had a two gang switch which controlled the hallway and landing lights, and another switch on the landing. I'm trying to put in a 3 gang switch to control a new porch light. I've been trying allsorts but have reached a dead end. My electrical knowledge is rusty, i got part way through 16th regs many years ago but then changed jobs to IT installation and what seemed doable in my head is now not.
heres a pic of the box and switch labelled, I'd like to know what goes where. i had thought of coming from the ceiling rose (pictured) back to the empty switch, but figure there must be a way with what i have in the box

any help, gratefully received

 

[ericmark]

You have made a common error of assuming blue and black are neutral, at the switch often there is no neutral it only has line wires.

Smart devices are likely the easy way out.

 

[winston1]

You don’t have a neutral at the switch to connect your blue wire to.

 

[al ellis]

nobody seems to sleeve these things up, so ive been banging my head against a wall for hours. On to plan b.

 

[terryplumb]

Pick up a supply from the rose in your pic .( Hallway ?),to the new light ,and use the cable that's already installed at the switch position to bring the switched live to the new fitting.
The existing wiring at switch needs tidying up ,giving attention to the earth conductors.

 

[al ellis]

cheers Terry. yep, thats exactly what i was going to do

 

[al ellis]

thanks all, working now