Introductuio & question

[George Thatcher]

Hi, Rewired a house around 40 years ago and now helping a friend to rewire another - it will be Part P certified once complete. Have a query re two-way switching. I completely understand what's happening using either the 'conventional' method or the conversion method ... but the latter requires running two cables to one of the switches and the other doesn't. If I'm cabling a two-way circuit from scratch, is there any reason I should use the conversion method? Will I sacrifice some future opportunity to satisfy a requirement that might reasonably arise? I can see that if I have five conductors instead of three at a box I could put in another switch but on that basis I could run many conductors to every box I install. If I'm being dumb, please put me right!!

 

[Pete999]

Hi, Rewired a house around 40 years ago and now helping a friend to rewire another - it will be Part P certified once complete. Have a query re two-way switching. I completely understand what's happening using either the 'conventional' method or the conversion method ... but the latter requires running two cables to one of the switches and the other doesn't. If I'm cabling a two-way circuit from scratch, is there any reason I should use the conversion method? Will I sacrifice some future opportunity to satisfy a requirement that might reasonably arise? I can see that if I have five conductors instead of three at a box I could put in another switch but on that basis I could run many conductors to every box I install. If I'm being dumb, please put me right!!

I always used the (what you call the conversion method) 2 core from the light you are switching and a 3 core between the switches, but with today's methods whereby you feed in and out of the switches, this method can be problematic, I guess it's what ever method suits the wiring methods required in the house, nothing to stop you using either method.

 

[7029 dave]

^^^^ Pete, if you are looping LN at the switches , just use deeper back boxes.

 

[Pete999]

^^^^ Pete, if you are looping LN at the switches , just use deeper back boxes.

I know I was just trying explain to the OP the differences, not very well by the looks of it.

 

[7029 dave]

I know I was just trying explain to the OP the differences, not very well by the looks of it.

I was agreeing with you pete, just giving the OP a bit more, no confusion. ( well think I created)

 

[Midwest]

I haven't a Scooby about the terminology, but tend to provide a feed at switches these days, either because customers wanna use those damn smart switches or 'cos its easier to feed luminaires (such as down lights) with the one cable looped to each fitting. And concur about deeper back boxes, 35mm minimum; more room for cables & ventilation (if that's the correct word) and room for dimmer switches.

 

[buzzlightyear]

35mm minimum; more room for cables & ventilation (if that's the correct word) and room for dimmer switches.

yeah. if you want to put the b/box next door !

 

[Midwest]

yeah. if you want to put the b/box next door !

I'm missing something me thinks. I've checked me spelling, grammar & measurements, still confused. Easy done for me. Help me out quickly, so I can edit my post.

 

[buzzlightyear]

now can you imagine putting in a 35mm back box in the old ash brick.
because knocking in to one of those babies you are showily will be next door .

 

[Pete999]

now can you imagine putting in a 35mm back box in the old ash brick.
because knocking in to one of those babies you are showily will be next door .

Yep you showily will mate

 

[Midwest]

now can you imagine putting in a 35mm back box in the old ash brick.
because knocking in to one of those babies you are showily will be next door .

Think the old properties won't be an issue, granted some stuff built in the 80's with three sheets of plasterboard might. Have you been squeezing cables into 25mm socket back boxes for a while?

 

[7029 dave]

yeah. if you want to put the b/box next door !

You are funny Buzz. lmfho

 

[Midwest]

You are funny Buzz. lmfho

Funny or just down right peculiar, no offence. I found Ken Dodd more whimsical

 

[buzzlightyear]

ken dodd - Bing video - https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=ken+dodd&&view=detail&mid=98548E5A8402DB38D9C898548E5A8402DB38D9C8&FORM=VRDGAR