converting 2 lights and switches to two way

[chris76]

Hi, i have a kitchen to fit and the customer has asked me to fit 11 downlights.

it must have been a kitchen then dining room in the past as they currently they have a one way switch at either door which controls seperate pendant lights.

im not to good on two way lighting so wondering if anyone can tell me the easiest way to convert the switches to two way controling all 11 new spotlights

hope i v explained it well enough, thanks

 

[westward10]

Is the current switching on the same or separate circuits.

 

[chris76]

Is the current switching on the same or separate circuits.

Same mate, same room, they must’ve removed a wall at some point to create a big kitchen

Do I run a 4 way between the two switches and tap into one of the feeds for my spots?

 

[westward10]

Need to know If the existing lights are on the same circuit and if the supply is looped at the lights or the switches.

 

[chris76]

Need to know If the existing lights are on the same circuit and if the supply is looped at the lights or the switches.

Yes they are on the downstairs circuit, I’m guessing the supply is looped at each light down to the separate one way switch.
I thought I could just disconnect one of the lights and extend the other to the new Downlights?

just wondering the easiest way to convert the switches to two way?

 

[westward10]

If they are looped at the lights all you need do is remove one of the switch drop cables and replace with a three core and cpc to the other switch. You then need some joint boxes, possibly maintenance free if they are going to be inaccessible to extend to the new lights.

 

[chris76]

If they are looped at the lights all you need do is remove one of the switch drop cables and replace with a three core and cpc to the other switch. You then need some joint boxes, possibly maintenance free if they are going to be inaccessible to extend to the new lights.

Sorry what do you mean by “ remove one of the switch drop cables”?
[automerge]1579373353[/automerge]

Sorry what do you mean by “ remove one of the switch drop cables”?

Run a 4 core between the two switches and leave the existing 3 core switch wire to what will be the first down light?

 

[westward10]

This is pretty rudimentary for an electrician and your questions lead me to ask are you an electrician.

 

[telectrix]

why not fot 2 quinetic switches with receiver in ceiling close to 1st downkight?

 

[DPG]

And don't forget to test and fill in certs once completed obviously.

 

[chris76]

This is pretty rudimentary for an electrician and your questions lead me to ask are you an electrician.

Im a kitchen fitter, who is asking for help to do the job right

i registered for part p in 2004, i think. and went to college to do my 2391 and 16/17 edition.. However i dont really work on lighting circuits , so im asking for advice,as im sure you do on other forums and matters your unsure of

 

[westward10]

#6 pretty much tells you how to do it.

 

[chris76]

#6 pretty much tells you how to do it.

sorry im still unsure,im doing a first fix tomorow before the plasterer comes.

so do i run a 4 core between the two switches?

 

[Andy78]

Im a kitchen fitter, who is asking for help to do the job right

i registered for part p in 2004, i think. and went to college to do my 2391 and 16/17 edition.. However i dont really work on lighting circuits , so im asking for advice,as im sure you do on other forums and matters your unsure of

You've got to ask yourself sometimes if your customer would be happy with you doing work you don't know how to do. I know I wouldn't be happy if a tradesman working in my house was looking up how to do the fundamental parts of their job on the internet.

Maybe get a local electrician to help this time or with jobs you are not 100% on.

 

[DPG]

If you're still unsure after the advice given then the job is beyond your capability and you should get an electrician in. It's not fair for the customer to be paying you for doing a job for which you are not competent to do.

No shame in knowing your limits.

 

[westward10]

The forum does not give step by step guidance, #6 gives a general idea of how it should be done. As previously stated this is rudimentary for an electrician and maybe your best course of action if you cannot see how #6 helps is to seek the services of an electrician.

 

[chris76]

The forum does not give step by step guidance, #6 gives a general idea of how it should be done. As previously stated this is rudimentary for an electrician and maybe your best course of action if you cannot see how #6 helps is to seek the services of an electrician.

cheers, i hope i can be as helpful to you in the future

 

[westward10]

cheers, i hope i can be as helpful to you in the future

You have been given help unfortunately you do not understand it therefore your best course of action is an electrician.

 

[jackhammerJIM]

2391 qualification but cant figure out a simple 2 way switch conversion . Pull the other one .

 

[davesparks]

Sorry what do you mean by “ remove one of the switch drop cables”?
[automerge]1579373353[/automerge]

Run a 4 core between the two switches and leave the existing 3 core switch wire to what will be the first down light?

You have written in your profile that you are an electrical engineer, but you don't know what a switch drop is, or apparently the difference between 3 core & earth cable and 4 core?