Is a change to a double switch and add a light possible here

[ST2]

Hi,

I've read numerous posts on the subject and looked at countless diagrams but this wiring always seems to look slightly different.

The attached pictures are one half of a two switched lighting circuit.

It looks like there are live, earth and neutral connections to me?

If so can I change this to a double switch to run a separate light?

Many thanks in advance.

switch 1 - 1

• ST2
• 21 Mar 2011
• 1

switch 1 - 2

• ST2
• 21 Mar 2011
• 1

switch 1 - 3

• ST2
• 21 Mar 2011
• 1

 

[Taylortwocities]

It does look like there are neutrals in the block. You will need a multimeter or a proper voltage test indictor (NOT A NEON SCREWDRIVER) to determine if it really is a neutral, and where the permanent live is located.

I would hazard a guess that the permanent live is the red in terminal 1 (with the grey) and the neutral is all the blues in the choc block. But you'll need to confirm that assumption.

 

[Chri5]

Please sort out the poor (****e and dangerous) exposed live at the top L connection.

No bare core should be visible and certainly shouldn't be so long that it could be touched.


You have a loop in at the switch, with live, neutral and switched lives.

So if you run a new cable to the new light from the switch you will be able to add in another switch or convert single to double, double to treble etc.

Loop in at switch is covered in the DIYnot Wiki diagrams UK Electrics / Lighting. The diagrams should make sense, if they do not- get someone else in (such as a sparks) to do the work for you.

 

[ST2]

Thanks both!

Yeah Chri5, when I opened it up and saw that I thought OMG. Seems to be the same in other switches too!

Shabby, very shabby. I'll sort it when I fit the new switch on there.

 

[ST2]

Chri5 I can't seem to find a diagram like you descripe for loop in a switch. Do you know what the link is?

 

[Chri5]

Can be found in the various lighting sections of the wiki- electrics- uk

 

[sparkwright]

If that switch only controls one light I would guess terminal 2 is the permanent live. You will need to check.