New to the forum just wanting advise on a sensor in a bathroom

[Col Keane]

Hi

Basically I just want to know what is required to fit a sensor in my bathroom and do away with the light switch completely. I'm having a new stud wall built with a pocket siding door inside the wall. So the joiner said I'd need to get a pull down light switch so there would be no wires in the wall where the door wood be inside a metal frame. I don't like the idea of a pull down and prefer the sensor . Any advice would be grateful , I'm not an electrician but surely if I switch the mains off it wouldn't be a big job??? The other wire that runs down the wall is going to the thermostat on the pics, that has to be removed to .... thanks

 

[buzzlightyear]

my advise get a spark in for alterations to your bath room .
part p ring any bells .

 

[Des 56]

The picture is of a surface mounted detector,there are flush ones available
I believe the type you are fitting will require a neutral

Small changes like this are usually well within the capability of the average householder,but because of the change to the wiring,it may come under the silly Part P building regulations
More importan the IEE wiring regs requirements for circuits in or passing through this special location need to be met and could involve quite a lot more than just a different type of switch

 

[Octopus]

So you've embarked on structural changes to your house without consulting a competent spark........ Best you find one quickly

 

[JohnnyRingmain]

You need a sparks for this one mate. For what it will cost it's not even worth the hassle of trying to do it yourself. Better off paying and know it's done safely and the right way.

 

[Richard Burns]

So long as you have a neutral at the current switch (which from looking at the wiring without seeing the connections, does appear probable) then it should be possible to make this change as you are simply repositioning an existing arrangement, however the position of the sensor should be such that it is not within the zones of the bathroom and ideally there should be 30mA RCD protection to the circuit.

 

[Des 56]

Richard,my eyes not being of a age that make them anywhere near reliable
Even so they are seeing single core and earth cables to that switch he posted
edit
I just noticed flat cable,I better get back to that opticians anytime soon

 

[Richard Burns]

Yes, one of the earths is very dark green and I thought it was a neutral, it does look like single cores. Not quite so straight forward then, new feed from the light required, gets more complex.

 

[PEG]

...Don't want to be a wasp at a picnic,but,is that light switch still in use?

 

[Col Keane]

Thanks for the replies, the switch is still in use by me only when I'm there. Other then that no one touches it, it all broke away when taking the wall down. Ok sounds more complex then I thought, sometimes you just think is it a job to small to ask an electrician or could I mange on my own given the right advise... hence the reason I joined this forum, is there something wrong with this wiring des??

 

[SparkyChick]

If there are other people in the house (and for your own safety, it's all too easy to stumble and reach for something to stop yourself falling, especially when working), please, please, replace that switch today.

 

[PEG]

Hi,hopefully,you ripped out,with the power off. I have removed acres of lath and plaster,and none of the tools used,were made of rubber...

Either way,your switch will be full of gritty dust,ideal for arcing,and even more fun,seeming "off" whilst in the "on" position.

Please attend to those matters,before selecting new switch gear.

 

[Col Keane]

Been in touch with a qualified electrician.. the switch is being removed tomorrow and will be on the sensor! Thanks for the advise

 

[buzzlightyear]

have you got deep pockets in yorkshire ?

 

[The Ghost]

Get a light with a microwave sensor already in it IP44 or upwards

 

[Adam Lench]

I agree with Vortigen, get a light fitting with a microwave sensor in. Then the light will automatically turn on when it detects movement. There may need to be some modifications to get a permanent live to ceiling, but it should be possible to remove the switch wiring completely. Having said that I believe any work in a bathroom is notifiable under part P of the building regulations, so you will probably need a professional electrician in.

 

[Lou]

Welcome, how have you got on?