Light switch behind curtains
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The presence of the curtain wouldn't forbid the switch.
However, if you have a specific curtain and wiring route in mind, there may be other things to take into account regarding wiring.
However, if you have a specific curtain and wiring route in mind, there may be other things to take into account regarding wiring.
OK thanks.
The curtains are fairly standard, made of cotton and linen, floor to ceiling by patio doors.
I have an existing double socket approx 6 inches to the side of where the curtain starts from. The intention is to take a spur from this double socket and add a fused switch to control some new lighting for outside.
Originally I was thinking I could place the new fused switch directly above the existing double socket but the existing cables to and from the socket go directly upwards so I will need to place the fused switch to one side, which would be ideally be behind the curtain as the other side is not so convenient.
Appreciate your advice on this.
The curtains are fairly standard, made of cotton and linen, floor to ceiling by patio doors.
I have an existing double socket approx 6 inches to the side of where the curtain starts from. The intention is to take a spur from this double socket and add a fused switch to control some new lighting for outside.
Originally I was thinking I could place the new fused switch directly above the existing double socket but the existing cables to and from the socket go directly upwards so I will need to place the fused switch to one side, which would be ideally be behind the curtain as the other side is not so convenient.
Appreciate your advice on this.
Assuming that the cable will be buried in the wall, it has to run in 'safe zones', which means that it must run either vertically or horizontally from the socket and/or the fcu ('fused switch'). From what you say, that should be possible with an L-shaped cable run, one part of that 'L' being aligned with the switch and the other with the FCU.
'Being aligned' means that it must travel horizontally or vertically withing the height of width of the associated socket or FCU.
Two other points. Firstly, you can only take a spur from the socket if the socket itself is not already a spur from a ring circuit. Secondly, any new buried cable will need to be RCD-protected - is the sockets circuit already RCD protected?
Kind Regards, John
Many thanks for the further information, very helpful.
The existing socket is not already a spur. The house has plasterboard walls and I intend to run a piece of 2.5mm twin and earth cable from the existing socket to the new switch either:
1) out of the side of the existing recessed socket box for 30cm horizontally, then 1m vertically to the new FCU
2) out of the top of the existing recessed socket box for 1m verticaly then 30cm horizontally to the new FCU
From what you have said I think either of these 2 should be OK. I just want to see if one is better than another regarding noggins.
I have just been looking at the main fuse box in the house (built in 1987). It's an MK unit described as 'Residual Current Operated Circuit Breaker' and each circuit has a trip switch on for each fuse, so assume that this is all OK re. your question about RCD protection.
I feel uneasy about placing the new FCU directly behind the curtain, so think I will place the FCU the other side and keep away from the curtain.
I really appreciate you taking the time to help me with this. These forums are so very useful!
The existing socket is not already a spur. The house has plasterboard walls and I intend to run a piece of 2.5mm twin and earth cable from the existing socket to the new switch either:
1) out of the side of the existing recessed socket box for 30cm horizontally, then 1m vertically to the new FCU
2) out of the top of the existing recessed socket box for 1m verticaly then 30cm horizontally to the new FCU
From what you have said I think either of these 2 should be OK. I just want to see if one is better than another regarding noggins.
I have just been looking at the main fuse box in the house (built in 1987). It's an MK unit described as 'Residual Current Operated Circuit Breaker' and each circuit has a trip switch on for each fuse, so assume that this is all OK re. your question about RCD protection.
I feel uneasy about placing the new FCU directly behind the curtain, so think I will place the FCU the other side and keep away from the curtain.
I really appreciate you taking the time to help me with this. These forums are so very useful!
I agree.
Yes, that sounds promising. Just to be sure, that 'Residual Current Operated Circuit Breaker' ought to have a test button on it. If you press that button, does it kill the socket concerned (as well as other things)? [don't try it whilst your other half is watching 'Strictly'
]It's obviously up to you, but it is really no problem having electrical accessories behind a curtain (I certainly have some). There would have to be something drastically wrong with your electrical installation for them to get hot, if that's what is worrying you.
You're welcome.
Kind Regards, John
If you can find an appropriate time to press it, you could just confirm that it does cut off power from the socket you intend to use (as well, probably as lots of other things).Kind Regards, John
If it’s a stud wall (likely dot and dab) it may be possible to fit the FCU 1m directly above the socket and then pull back one piece of cable from the socket into the spur, with a new piece tied on to replace it from socket to FCU.
Means no spur/branch from the circuit and it’s easy peasy. If the cables are capped behind the dot and dab it’s likely a no go though
Means no spur/branch from the circuit and it’s easy peasy. If the cables are capped behind the dot and dab it’s likely a no go though
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