query on wiring switch

[simonski]

Hi, had a look around , but still not sure on this hope someone can help.

I have re-sized a couple of rooms at home (stud partitions) and have wired a couple of wall lights in, but because there was no way (without a lot of work) to wire into a circuit I intended to run a spur under the floor from the socket circuit. I intend putting a junction box in and running to a 3amp fused switch and from there a wall switch to control the two lights, the switch is double gang single way ie one switch for each light, is this the correct way to wire? http://www.flickr.com/photos/19183445@N04/4687281225/

I also want to run a new ceiling light to an existing switch, but again cannot link into light circuit without a lot of work. Can I simply run a cable to the existing 2 gang switch, but change over for a 3 switch fitting? pics here of existing switch (dimmer on at present to be replaced) http://www.flickr.com/photos/19183445@N04/4687828244/in/photostream/

Being short of cash I prefer to do the work myself and then get someone to check it, but want to do it right first time. thanks

 

[ban-all-sheds]

1) Wall lights are fine, but don't see why you need the FCU to be a switched one. And is there no way to put it directly onto the socket circuit, rather than on a spur?

2) Is there a neutral at that switch position?

3) Are you aware of the rules for cables concealed in walls and partitions?

• http://www.voltimum.co.uk/files/gb/attachments/niu/l/attachments/c5-43.pdf
• http://web.archive.org/web/20061110111450/http://www.niceic.org.uk/downloads/concealedcables.pdf
• IEE article
• IEE Article on 17th Edition requirements for concealed cables.

 

[simonski]

Thanks for the quick reply

1, I can, but thought it had to be a spur.
2, which switch? The drawn (badly) one (yes there is a N) or the one in the fotos?
3, not read those but followed a guide I found online ie cable not running through insulation and fixed securely, cable chased in wall vertically and plastic covering over it (all secured).

It is the changing of the dimmer switch and adding a cable for a new light that gives me the heebie jeebies, there are so many wires! That switch is in a part of the house that was extended about 20yrs ago, so the wiring looks to be different to the rest where I have just changed the light fitting. can I just run a 3 core (L, N, E) and connect it to the additional switch, and how?

Once again thanks.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

1, I can, but thought it had to be a spur.

Better to put it directly onto the circuit cable if you can.

2, which switch? The drawn (badly) one (yes there is a N) or the one in the fotos?

I meant the photos - I hadn't seen the others at the time, but now I have. There's no neutral there.

3, not read those but followed a guide I found online ie cable not running through insulation and fixed securely, cable chased in wall vertically and plastic covering over it (all secured).

There's more to it than that - read those documents, especially the one about now being supposed to have RCD protection for buried cables.

It is the changing of the dimmer switch and adding a cable for a new light that gives me the heebie jeebies, there are so many wires!

Not that many - it could be a lot worse. Just read up on how lighting circuits are wired, and it'll all become clear.

can I just run a 3 core (L, N, E) and connect it to the additional switch, and how?

No, because there's no neutral at the switch - your lighting circuit loops through the lights, not the switches, so you will have to get at it to add another light.


PS - what's with that cut-off cable at the bottom?