resiting a two way pullcord switch

[tonythetaff]

Hi and a Happy new year. I've had a quick look through the forum but couldn't find exactly what I need explained.
In my garage I have a light operated by two pull cords of which one is opposite sides of the garage.
We've just knocked through one of the walls to create another exit/entrance. However the pullcords are nowhere near so I would like to move one of the switches to near the doorway.
Am I right in thinking that I could replace one of the pullcord switches with a junction box and run a cable from the junction box to a new switch at the doorway ?
Any advice please

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Could you not replace cables so that no JB is required?

 

[tonythetaff]

Hi, I just thought as I didnt really need one of the switches, I could replace it with a box and run a cable from there.
What's the alternative ?

 

[Iggifer]

the best solution, is to replace the whole cable from the switch you're keeping to the new switch

each junction added to a cable is another failure point.

Presumably it won't mean much extra cable, I would just replace it all

 

[Scoby_Beasley]

Is your new entrance closer to the second (furthest) switch? in which case you could just re-route it. Otherwise, if replacing the cable would cause to much hassle then a maintenance free junction box, like those made by Ashley, would enable you to extend the cable. Any junction box that relies on screws to hold the bare cable connections together must be accessible for checking.

 

[tonythetaff]

Yes the new entrance is a lot nearer than the furthest switch.
The existing cable is all hidden inside the ceiling

Untitled

• tonythetaff
• 2 Jan 2013
• 1

Untitled

• tonythetaff
• 2 Jan 2013
• 1

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Do you have access above the ceiling for re-routing cable?
Or are you breaking in to the ceiling?
Or surface mounting new cable?
I personally would remove the three core & earth between the two pull cords and stick some twin and earth between the light and switch but it could be likely that you already have junction boxes in the ceiling void already, that is offering the supply. This would need confirming.

 

[tonythetaff]

No I have no access above the ceiling and didnt really want to break into it.
Hmm this is tricky, I can't confirm there are junction boxes already.

Thanks for your help

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

What cables do you have at the light fitting?

 

[tonythetaff]

I'll have to have a look later. There's a 5ft fluorescent tube there.