Two switches for set of lights?

[Confusedsoconfused]

Hello I have 10 spotlights in a room.

All 10 spotlights are operated by one switch.

I would like to split the spotlights into two sets.


First Switch to operate 5 of the spotlights.

Second Switch to operate the other 5 of the spotlights.


How easy or difficult is this to do? What sort of questions should I be asking myself for this?


Thank you.

 

[littlespark]

you would need to know how it is currently wired to figure out how easy it would be.

the simplest way, and probably not the way its wired, is that there's a feed at the switch, and a switch wire going up to 5 lights, and another switch wire going to the other 5 with a neutral connection at the switch.

Age of house can sometimes give a clue as the standard ways of wiring lights changed over the years.

Older properties may have a central joint box... or there is a joint box accessible from popping out one of the downlights.
Whats above the room? another room, or attic?

However its done, you would need an extra core in the cable going to the switch to use as the second switchwire. Not always easy to add one in

There will be ways of doing it with smart switches or smart bulbs

 

[Uplight99]

It’s very unlikely that they have been wired the way you need for this to work. If they are switched together then most likely they all share the same switch line.

You can’t come to any conclusions until you get it surveyed by an electrician. But be prepared to start cutting holes in the ceiling and chasing out walls to run new cables in and the alter the existing wiring