Any Sparkys Can Offer Advice?

[Spiderdude]

After a bit of advice from an electrician as a bit stuck!

 

I have an outside security light that is wired straight from the main fuse box, no switch in between.

 

I'm wanting to install a 2 gang switch, 1st switch to over ride this light and then the 2nd to control some other lights outside.

 

I thought and I might be still right the is straightforward.

 

Do I run the main power cable straight into the 2 gang switch? Then from there run a cable from the switch to the lights?

 

I've searched net for a diagram, but can't find a relevant one as most seem to be from the USA.

 

Any help would be appreciated before I crack on!

[mikky]

remember..red to red and blue to pieces

[foxy bingo]

if you aint got a clue about electrics get someone in who has otherwise it could turn nasty very quick mate just my opinion

[HDAV]

wired straight to fuse box ring an electrician.....................exterior work is part-p IIRC "special location" worth having it done properly and how do you want the switching to work?

Edited July 24, 2013 by HDAV

[Spiderdude]

Put in new sockets and the usual electrical bits and pieces, but installing a new light switch directly from the fuse box is new to me.

[Spiderdude]

It was installed by an electrician.....

 

The 1st switch in the gang is to override the PIR as we don't want it kicking in when we're sat out.

 

The 2nd switch is to turn on the down lighters around the patio.

[LondonLuke]

.

Edited July 25, 2013 by LondonLuke

[Spiderdude]

I think I might just get an electrician out for the sake of a few quid... Sounds like it could be a disaster waiting to happen if I try to make adjustments to the setup.

[HDAV]

What's the MCB rated at? Is it RCD protected?

[Spiderdude]

Not sure of the rating, it was new only 12 months ago when we had the garage converted to a lounge. It is RCD protected I know that.

[HDAV]

Worth checking if your adding more load to a circuit

[bigadam]

Pmd u

[ayano3]

I am an electricial engineer, my advice is get someone who knows what they are doing to sort it out.

[-Mongrel-]

Had to laugh a bit at this thread, some very daft comments.

 

If it's a professionaly installed light it will be 'fused' to suit a lighting load. Adding a few more lights wouldn't affect this. In your house it doesn't matter whether it's a 5 lamp circuit or 10 lamp circuit, it's still going to gave a 6/5 amp breaker/fuse.

 

As it's an extension then it's quite possible that it was separately wired and 'fused' at the consumer unit, and to be honest it's not a tricky job if you have the knowledge to do it...but if you don't, then at least seek professional advice and if in any doubt, pay for a professional.

Edited July 24, 2013 by -Mongrel-

[goodo123]

Get a sparks in, you wouldn't play with gas piping knowing that pipes are made of copper and are cylindrical, why risk electric shock to you someone else or fire because you've got away with a bit in the past?

Im a electrical tech and although many people moan about part p legislation it was brought in for a reason. And before anyone says do x y z, how do you know what's actually their? Cct layout etc.

[bullet1747]

If your going to do it your self my advice is don't ,put a switched fused spur in line ( 3 or 5 amp fuse ),to be fair there isn't a lot wrong with the way it's wired as long as the mcb is the correct size for the wire and watts used by the light