Lights, switch, action!

[adwt2004]

I have a light setup in my living room as below. So there is a single switch either side which controls the nearest light to that side.

What I want to do is change this so I have a dual switch either side so I can control all lights from just one double switch no matter what side i'm on. (It's a very large living area)

Anyone tell me how this would be possible? Some one mentioned i should run two more switched live wires so each switch would have a switched live connection to both lights. They would criss cross on the diagram above if you get what i mean. Or do i remove the switched live from right hand switch. Add a switched live from left switch to right light. And have a common connection between the switches? Advice would be great.

Edit, I'm guessing with the first option both switches could be on for lights to work or just one switch whereas I want it so if left switch was used then right switch would turn off as soon as i press it. Similiar to a hall/landing setup. Hope that makes sense!

 

[comms]

Change switches to 2gang 2 way switches.

Run 2 lengths of 3 core + earth between both switches, brown to com grey to L1 black to L2 (sleeve grey & black with brown to denote switch live).

left light connect the existing line (live) cable into terminal L1 & the switch line into terminal L2 on one of the switches (2nd switch on this plate just has the 3core connected)

Right light connect the existing line (live) cable into terminal L1 & the switch line into terminal L2 on the switch that only has 3 core connected at the othe end of room (2nd switch on this plate just has the 3core connected).

This way both lights are still operated indipendantly but from either end of the room.

or

one length of 3 core between 1 gang 2 way switches brown to com grey to L1 black to L2 (sleeve grey & black with brown to denote switch live). length of twin/earth between junction boxes, connecting neutral & switch live + cpc.
Remove existing twin/earth from between left switch & junction box.
At right switch connect existing live to L1 & switch return to L2

This way both lights are operated at the same time from either end of the room.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Edit, I'm guessing with the first option both switches could be on for lights to work or just one switch whereas I want it so if left switch was used then right switch would turn off as soon as i press it. Similiar to a hall/landing setup. Hope that makes sense!

It does - don't take any more electrical advice from whoever it was who suggested simply putting the switches & lights in parallel...

To accompany comms' words you'll find diagrams here: http://www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:two-way-lighting

 

[adwt2004]

Ok, thanks for your help and advice guys.

So to check, it's

brown to "common"
grey to "L1"
black to "L2"

I take it the mention of grey denotes the blue wire which has to be sleeved as a switched live? Is that correct?

Cheers

 

[ban-all-sheds]

brown to "common"
grey to "L1"
black to "L2"

It's more usual to put brown onto L1 to match the permanent live, but it doesn't matter greatly, as long as you make sure that the switches are linked COM-COM, L1-L1, L2-L2..

I take it the mention of grey denotes the blue wire which has to be sleeved as a switched live? Is that correct?

No - the core colours in 3-core & earth cable are brown, black & grey. When used as strappers in 2-way switching black & grey should be sleeved brown.