Lighting master switch

[tgs166507]

Hi.
I am wondering whether there is a sensible way to install a "master switch" by my back door to switch off the lighting ring main circuit?
We came across one in a center parcs lodge, and it was really handy!
The main consumer unit is conveniently in the cupboard immediately next to the back door!
How might it be achieved?
Thank you

 

[EFLImpudence]

You just need a switch in the circuit cable - as there will be in the CU if MCBs.

Bear in mind that you probably have more than one light circuit.

It is unlikely to be a ring circuit - just a radial - and definitely not a ring main.

 

[tgs166507]

Aaah, I'd assumed it would be a ring!
That's much easier, thank you.

 

[sparkwright]

Each lighting circuit (eg upstairs, downstairs) would require a 1.0 or 1.5mm2 t+e run between the consumer unit and the back door switch position.

And a few 6 amp connectors blocks in the consumer unit to do a couple of clever joints.

Why bother with all of this though?

 

[winston1]

Aaah, I'd assumed it would be a ring!
That's much easier, thank you.

Rings are ONLY used for power circuits in the UK and countries using BS1362 sockets.

 

[tgs166507]

Each lighting circuit (eg upstairs, downstairs) would require a 1.0 or 1.5mm2 t+e run between the consumer unit and the back door switch position.

And a few 6 amp connectors blocks in the consumer unit to do a couple of clever joints.

Why bother with all of this though?

Thanks for the advice.

As to why... It's so that I don't have to worry about the kids leaving their lights on all day if I can just switch them all of when I leave the house! Since the consumer unit is right there, it will be nowt of a job to put a switch on the cupboard carcass that's next to the back door...

 

[John D v2.0]

Leaving random lights on when you're out is a relatively way to suggest to burglars that you're actually in!

 

[winston1]

Why don't you train your kids? I was never allowed to leave lights on.

 

[sparkwright]

One problem with such a master switch is that you will have to make sure that the lighting circuit doesn't supply mains powered smoke detectors, burgular alarms, tv boosters and security lighting.

The other option is to give the kids a good old fashioned bolllocking about leaving lights on.

 

[EFLImpudence]

The other option is to give the kids a good old fashioned bolllocking about leaving lights on.

Then they'll turn out like Winston.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

The main consumer unit is conveniently in the cupboard immediately next to the back door!

Is that the only door you have, or ever use?

 

[ericmark]

At my back door I can switch my bedroom lights off and on, it was not really set up to do that, it was set up to turn the extruder alarm off / on when entering or leaving house but same 3 remotes are used for double socket and my lights, plus can also use PC and Smart phone. The remotes are placed in my bedroom, at front door, and at back door it just happened I have no two way switching in the bedroom I use so this allows me to switch off lights when in bed.

However there are some disadvantages as well, with a power cut the lights will not auto come on again when power is restored. The switch I have will not work with two way lighting, and it cost a lot to set up. With children they could find it fun turning it off at inappropriate times like when in the loo.

If you consider a 10W LED bulb on 24/7 for a year it uses 87.6 kWh at 18p a kWh that's £15.77 per year since the light is required some of the time and some times they will switch it off it will be less than that. The light switch cost £17 the remote cost £8.50 and if you want to use phone or PC the hub cost £48 so to save money hardly worth it.

 

[winston1]

Then they'll turn out like Winston.

Another plus point then.

 

[flameport]

at 18p a kWh

Hopefully you or anyone else are not paying anything near that very high price?

 

[John D v2.0]

Hopefully you or anyone else are not paying anything near that very high price?

we are paying 2/3 of that for ours, but night units are under 7p.
I think other tariffs are available.