Problem wiring outside light

[Kriggi]

I have an existing 2 gang light switch next to the front door that controls the outside porch light and hallway light. The hallway light is on a two way switch with the other switch being at the other end of the hallway.

For various reasons I need to separate the two light switches keeping the hallway switch where it currently is and moving the porch light switch further away. I thought this would be a simple job, but the wiring isn't as straightforward as I'd have hoped and I'm getting a little confused so I hope someone can help me out.

The problem is the porch light seems to be wired in at the switch. I need to know how to split the existing double switch into two separate switches? The diagram below shows how the 2 gang switch is currently wired.

//media.diynot.com/159000_158108_30209_40410483_thumb.jpg

I don't know where the three cables go to but I do know that the feed cable at the porch light is black, red and earth and the other hallway switch is 3 core and earth.

I'd really appreciate any help.

Chris

 

[ricicle]

One of the 3 cores is a Perm line, Switch line (for the hall light) and Neutral (for the porch light) The other 3 core is the 2 way cable for the hall light. The twin and earth will go to the porch light.

If you move the porch switch it will need the existing twin and earth cable to it as well as a perm line and neutral supply.

 

[riveralt]

I assume from your description that cable 1 goes to the porch light.

Your problem as you recognise is that cable 1 draws it power from cable 2.

How far apart do you intend to sepearate out the porch switch from the hall switch.

If the new location of the porch switch is in a horizontal line from the hallway switch then you could run a piece of T&E from the hallway switch to the newly located porch switch staying within the safe zone.
Cable 1 stays in its current position with the neutral terminal block connected but you will need to add another terminal block to the switched live.

Using the new cable connect the brown conductor in the Common at the porch light switch and L1 at the hallway light - this gives you power at the new switch.
Connect the blue conductor at the porch switch in the L1 and put a brown sleeve on it (this is your switched live) and connect it to the switch live terminal block at the hallway switch (put brown sleeve on the blue) Make sure all the earths are connected as well.

An additional problem for you is that it is unlikey you will be able to bury the new cable more than 50mm below the surface so the new cable will have to be protected by an RCD. You do not need to protect this cable if it clipped direct to the surface or covered by surface trunking.

 

[Kriggi]

Thanks for your replys. I think I'll have a go at wiring in the porch light from the lighting ring as I'm guessing that's the proper way to do it and probably simpler.

Thanks