Double to single light switch

[Johnd79]

Good morning all. I am new to the forum and hoping someone can help with a query i have. Currently i have a double light switch which operates two separate lights at each end of my kitchen. I would like to change the light switch to a single allowing me to turn on/off both lights at the same time. My question is,is this ok to do or do i have to keep them individually switched?. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[westward10]

It is probably possible but would need to see the wiring behind the switch. Is one of the lights two way switched from another switch.

 

[Johnd79]

It is probably possible but would need to see the wiring behind the switch. Is one of the lights two way switched from another switch.

Thanks for the reply.No ,neither of the lights are two way. I will try and get a pic of the wiring later today.

 

[Timbo]

Simplest way, fit a double pole switch.
Example:

20 Amp DP Switch with Flex Outlet | Crabtree (4015)

Each of the existing into one side of the DP switch.

 

[Johnd79]

Sorry about the time its taken,ive attached a couple of pics

 

[westward10]

Something looks a bit suspicious there, where does the separate brown go to out of the back box. It can be done, lose the red link wire and connect the brown connected with it into Com of the new switch. The brown and blue at the bottom of the old switch connect together into L1 of the new switch. The blue should have brown sleeve/tape on it to indicate it is live.

 

[littlespark]

The brown with the red link is the permanent live. Remove the red link.
Put the other 2 cables (one brown, one blue) together on the bottom of the switch... (if the perm live is the top)
Mark the blue with a bit of brown tape, just to show its a live conductor, and remember to isolate the circuit beforehand.

 

[Johnd79]

Thanks,i have removed the switch and its gotten even stranger,turns out the cables were joined behind. Ive attatched pics of what im left with.

 

[littlespark]

Ok... that makes things 10 times more complicated.

Do you know which of those was connected as the permanent live?
Theres now more conductors than there was before, and there seems to be a missing red from one of the twins.

Im afraid its time to get a professional involved with test equipment to trace each conductor.

 

[westward10]

Thought as much. As above I think you need an electrician to safely reinstall that so all conductors are correctly contained/terminated.

 

[Timbo]

Ok... that makes things 10 times more complicated.

Do you know which of those was connected as the permanent live?
Theres now more conductors than there was before, and there seems to be a missing red from one of the twins.

Im afraid its time to get a professional involved with test equipment to trace each conductor.

Not only the red, but the cpc seems to be cut off as well ?