dual switch with twin and earth

[joewa]

Hi

I have stupidly only connected my downstairs light switch with twin and earth, ie no common, and laid the floor above leaving me no way of correcting the switch wire. I am still to install the upstairs light and upstairs switch.

Question is is there any way of wiring a dual switch circuit using this existing wiring?

 

[Click-Sure]

In a word, No.

Don't even think about abusing the CPC (earth wire in the middle of the 2 live conductors).

Cant see why you wouldnt be able to install the upstairs light, just being able to switch it from downstairs will not be possible with0ut running cabling from its switch upstairs to one downstairs (3-core & earth is normally used).

Wireless switching may be an option however, but it depends on cost.

 

[RF Lighting]

You could do it with a push to make switch at each switch position and some relays and stuff but its going to be easier to put in a 3 core

 

[Click-Sure]

I recon there could be some borrowed neutral issuses somewhere a long the line as well...

 

[echoes]

It can be done using T&E for strappers ONLY if the switches and lights are part of the same circuit, and therefore share the same neutral. If they are not on the same circuit, then you have snookered yourself.

Without knowing what circuits you have, could you put your landing light on the downstairs lights circuit? Would this be any easier than replacing the T&E with 3-core & E? You should keep in mind that you do not want your stairs in darkness if the d/s circuit trips though.