Discuss Separating 2 gang light switch into 2x 1 gang in the Electrical Wiring, Theories and Regulations area at ElectriciansForums.net

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J

jh71283

Hello

I currently have a 2 gang light switch, but due to the style of light switches we plan to replace it with, I need to separate it into 2 individual switches.

My concern is that the wiring going into the current back box will not be long enough to connect to a second switch off to the side.

Re-running the cable is not an option, as the wires are chased and plastered into the wall.

What are my options? Is it acceptable to use a choccy block inside the existing back box to extend the wires to the second?

Please don't flame me, I am here to learn the correct way to do it, not to be chastised for my current ideas.
 
Well my gut is saying that's not the right way, but I can't think of another, other than pulling the wire out of the plaster so far and chasing it across to the new switch, which means a diagonal cable which I know is a no-no.
 
Hmm...

Looks like it will be OK to use a connector block inside a light switch, according to Q28 on here
 
if you are joining in the back box, then i would advise the use of wagos or line screw free connectors. if the back box is only a 1/2" deep lighting box, replace it with a 1" box to give yourself room for connections.
 
haha! I was just looking at wagos as you replied!

I will deepen the back box as well, make life a little easier, don't want to be cramming the stuff in there!


Would you recommend the same approach on a plasterboard wall too? (i.e. I may have to do the same on another wall which is a standard stud wall), or is it acceptable to just move the existing wire over to an adjacent switch, therefore making the run very slightly diagonal?
 
be a good idea to use a dual box. this will allow to to fit 2 switches perfectly in line. as for the stud wall, you would need to ensure that the cable coming down inside the wall is within the safe zone of the switch.
 
be a good idea to use a dual box. this will allow to to fit 2 switches perfectly in line. as for the stud wall, you would need to ensure that the cable coming down inside the wall is within the safe zone of the switch.

And if I use a dual box for this, then there will be no gap between the safe zones of each switch, am I correct?
 
This could start the debate on stranded/solid core again lol
Separating 2 gang light switch into 2x 1 gang {filename} | ElectriciansForums.net
 
Call an electrician, you asked the same question on another thread as you admitted your a IT guy doing DIY. Your doing the right thing by asking for help, but maybe a local spark would be a better option.
 
Call an electrician, you asked the same question on another thread as you admitted your a IT guy doing DIY. Your doing the right thing by asking for help, but maybe a local spark would be a better option.


I have actually changed my plan, and you will notice that my other thread was asking the opposite of this one.

I don't mind admitting when I am out of my depth, but I need to ask questions like this for me (or indeed others) to assess that I am out of my depth.

Thanks anyway!
 

Reply to Separating 2 gang light switch into 2x 1 gang in the Electrical Wiring, Theories and Regulations area at ElectriciansForums.net

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