UK Adding new light from existing one-gang switch

[Tristan Perry]

Hi all,

Thanks for the help in my previous thread, I got things working well in the end:



As to my new question, I have the following one-gang switch in my kitchen/diner which powers an outdoor PIR/LED floodlight:




So this has a twin+earth and a 3 core+earth cable - I'm guessing the twin+earth is the incoming power, and the 3 core+earth is going to the outdoor light (presumably so that the black switched live can power the light, and the brown permanent live can power any PIR sensors??)

Anywhoo, I'm looking to add some under-cabinet lighting to my kitchen which I wanted to power off this switch - by changing it to a 2-gang switch. Since there's already a 3 core+earth cable here, can I just follow the "After" guide here (Adding an extra light from a light switch - https://www.flameport.com/electric/lighting_circuits/lighting_add_extra_light_from_switch.cs4) and so run a twin+earth to the new lights (off the second gang), then link the two COMs of the switch?

As before, I'm happy to call in an electrician if really needed, but I'm also eager to learn more about electrics so any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[littlespark]

Not a problem:

you’ve got a live and neutral there at the switch. It could get a little busy in the back box, so be careful screwing the plate back.
Isolate the circuit first, of course

one thing to watch is the type of under unit lights. Some come with a fitted plug, or a plug adaptor to fit in a regular 13A socket.
You’re not meant to fit a socket like that onto a lighting circuit. (But there’s thousands across the country, running tv amplifiers in attics)

 

[Tristan Perry]

Thanks littlespark, good to know I'm thinking along the right lines

The under unit lights I've been looking at are the LED wedge ones which appear to be two-core mains lights, so they should be fine being properly wired through to the switch, but I'll keep an eye out for any which are fitted with a plug.

 

[littlespark]

The wedge ones are ok, just a trailing flex if I recall.

remember any joints will have to be done correctly in joint boxes... you can’t just use strip connector and tape.