Lights in the loft Problem

[ianhutchinson]

Hi

I am wanting to install one fluorescent light in my loft. On the upstairs staircase I have a single light switch that operates the landing light. I do not want to install yet another light switch but purchase a double gang light switch that will operate both landing light and loft light. I have been told that I do not need a new live feed to the second switch but can use the existing live and and neutral by linking the two within the switch. Can I do this or will I have to supply a new live and neutral to the second switch to operate the light in the loft.

 

[sparkmanc]

You still need a switched live from the switch to the light, and a neutral from the lighting circuit.

Your best bet is to run a loop live and neutral from a local light fitting and a live from the switch using twin brown 1.5mm2 cable to your new fitting.

Unless of course theres a neutral at the switch, which is doubtful.
Then you just need switch live and neutral from the switch.

(Either method requires earthing, and should be in 1.5mm2 cable)

 

[ianhutchinson]

There is a junction box in the loft for the lights, is it best to run the wiring from here????????????. However an electrical guy at B&Q said I could not run a second live a neutral from a jucntion box because he said the two lives could 'jump across' and blow the fuses, that is why he said I would have to have two seperate single switches, but I just want a double switch to work the landing light and loft light.

 

[pdcelec]

There is a junction box in the loft for the lights, is it best to run the wiring from here????????????. However an electrical guy at B&Q said I could not run a second live a neutral from a jucntion box because he said the two lives could 'jump across' and blow the fuses, that is why he said I would have to have two seperate single switches, but I just want a double switch to work the landing light and loft light.

I would contact trading standards and report B&Q

 

[ianhutchinson]

Please see my earlier post ref B&Q advice, can I do this