Outside lights switched in two ways

[lucavigg]

First of all, I want to make it absolutely clear that I have no intention of carrying out this work myself. I know my limitations and this is probably one of them.

I'm getting some mains powered bollard lights for a new driveway and I've seen a night switch that will switch them on when it gets dark. Is it possible to have another switch in parallel inside the house, so that I can switch them on manually.

I did look at traditional landing/hall two way switching but this would mean that the night sensor would switch the bollard lights off if they have already been switched on with the indoor switch.

Anyone have thoughts?

Luca

 

[EFLImpudence]

Yes, it is possible.

It would not be "two-way" switching - just additional or over-ride.

 

[briwire]

The function you describe is an over ride switch rather than 2 way switching. Just a case of wiring your inside switch contacts in parallel with those in the light sensor.

 

[securespark]

Yes. Fit a photocell outside which will trigger the bollards to come on at dusk.

Then fit a switch that joins the live to the photocell switched live.

When the switch is closed, the lights will be permanently on, when the switch is open, they will only come on when it is dark enough to trigger the photocell.

 

[securespark]

 

[EFLImpudence]

Of course - this is assuming that the internal wiring is accessible.

 

[SUNRAY]

Of course - this is assuming that the internal wiring is accessible.

OP seems to be describing a photocell remote from the bollards so yes it should be accessible. In fact the sensor is quite likely to be mounted on the house so my expectation is very accessible.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Oh yes.

 

[securespark]

You practicing for the Churchill advert again?

 

[EddieM]

Doesn't this also assume the lights are 230v ?

 

[lucavigg]

Yes. Fit a photocell outside which will trigger the bollards to come on at dusk.

Then fit a switch that joins the live to the photocell switched live.

When the switch is closed, the lights will be permanently on, when the switch is open, they will only come on when it is dark enough to trigger the photocell.

That's great. Thanks so much and yes, the photocell will be remote and the bollards are 240v mains.

I need to get the power out to the front of the house and for that reason I will be calling on the services of a professional.

 

[bernardgreen]

Also ask the electrician to fit a 2 pole isolator in the house for the outdoor circuit. This will enable you to fully isolate the lamps if ( when ) they are damaged and/or affected by water. A single pole isolator will leave the Neutral connected and any damage that results in a Neutral to Earth fault will cause the RCD to trip even if the Live has been isolated.

 

[lucavigg]

Also ask the electrician to fit a 2 pole isolator in the house for the outdoor circuit. This will enable you to fully isolate the lamps if ( when ) they are damaged and/or affected by water. A single pole isolator will leave the Neutral connected and any damage that results in a Neutral to Earth fault will cause the RCD to trip even if the Live has been isolated.

I think he’s fitting a fused switch unit on another circuit as the supply. Is there such a thing as a double pole FSU?

 

[EFLImpudence]

Yes, most FCUs these days are double-pole.

 

[bernardgreen]

Yes, most FCUs these days are double-pole.

Some are not switched