Trying to connect an ext light to the existing circuit

[plinny]

Hi,

I have purchased a PIR external light (40w) which I want to attach to my porch.

The porch has an inside light with a single switch.

The proposed plan is to add a junction box (5A?) to the cable running down the wall (it's inside the wall) to the switch, then wire the outside light cable into that box.

Is this a sensible course of action? Also if I wanted to add a switch to turn the external light on and off (i.e. on windy days if the sensor keeps going off), is it a good idea to change the current single switch to a double and connect the outside light to ith? If so, any advice on how best to do this?

Any assistance with this will be very welcome!!

 

[breezer]

How may wires in the switch? if its 2 (not counting earth) your idea will not work.

have look in the wiki or sticky to see how it should be done

if its 4 wires (not counting earth) look in the wiki or sticky to see how it should be done

 

[plinny]

Thanks - I've checked the wiki and sticky - from which I realise the junction box must be on the lighting circuit, and that should run to a FCB to which I can connect the external light/PIR.

I want to tuck the FCB out the way, so to add a switch is it best to go:

Junction box - switch - FCB - external light

or

Junction box - FCB - switch - external light

This would allow me to replace my existing single switch for the porch internal light with a double switch to control the external light and the internal light.

I guess if this is not possible I could use a switched FCB instead?

Many thanks

 

[breezer]

i take it by FCB you mean FCU fused connectuion unit?

no need if connecting to existing lighting cct

which way be it switch or light first is up to you (which ever is easier)

but the jb must be accessable

 

[plinny]

Yes - indeed I did mean FCU (not FC Box..)

Anyway, if I don't need one then even better! JB - Switch - Light.

Many thanks for you help.