2 way to Intermediate?

[Flakey]

Hi there,

I have 2 two way lights that i want to make into a 3 way arrangement.
1 of the 2 way switches is for the downstairs hall light and connects to a 2 way 2 gang switch at the other end of the hallway.
The other 2 way switch is upstairs and lights up the stair case and upstairs hallway. It is also connected the other gang of the 2 way 2 gang switch.
So the cabling is in for the 2 way 2 gang for me to replace with an intermediate switch.

Now the upstairs and downstairs light are on the same circuit but have their own feeds/switch lines to the 1 gang 2 way switches. Im not able to run a cable from the downstairs light to the upstairs light due to the decor flooring etc which would make all lights come on whatever the switch arrangement. Would i for example be able to use the cable in the upstairs switch disconnect the orignal feed core of the cable in the switch upstairs and connect the switch line into L2 for example to light that part of the the circuit simultaneously ( from the first switch downstairs) as the neutral is in the rose upstairs and ive tested for cross neutrals.
Let me know if this allowed if this would work or is there something im missing.
In a Straight forward circumstance where there is access then no problem.

if the feed out of the first light was going straight to the upstairs light then i would use that as my feed i.e feed to switch line across to upstairs light.

Hope its not too confusing or silly to propose!

cheers

J

 

[telectrix]

or you could use 3 remote control switches on separate frequencies

 

[Octopus]

I don't think this can happen due to the existing wiring and the OP's comment that running new cables isn't feasible. But it is Sunday morning!

 

[Flakey]

Any competent spark should be able to see on site weather this is possible or not. The fact you have a paying customer wanting this done and you are asking on here is scary stuff.

fair enough mate!

 

[Flakey]

Thats correct mate obviously the best choice is to run a new cable in normal circumstances.
Im just trying my best to avoid bad practice or if there is somthing i may be missing that makes the idea flawed. Id rather tell them it cant be done to be honest; without running a new cable.
Its a solution ive come to but want to be picked apart as to why its a bad idea or where problems may lie. Im more used to the conventional approach to things which i whole heartedly agree with.

Thanks again

J

 

[Flakey]

if i read your diagram right, you want to feed the L into the switching arrangement to the left hand switch instead of the right hand switch. can;t see a problem. as long as it goes into L1.

Sorry my main point is can i have a stand alone switch line in the right hand switch going up to the rose upstairs connected into L2 of the right hand switch so that the effect is the lights up and downstairs go on or off regards of the switch being switched?

cheers

J

 

[Octopus]

Suggest you get the parts out of your shed/van/garage and make it up in your lounge and see if you can make it work!

 

[Flakey]

lol cheers!

 

[itselectric]

looking at your diagram I don't think it is going to work as the switch wires for both lights are not linked. If you have all the wires you have shown then the circuit you want is possible.

 

[Flakey]

looking at your diagram I don't think it is going to work as the switch wires for both lights are not linked. If you have all the wires you have shown then the circuit you want is possible.

Your right its not going to work because of the multiple paths within the switches light upstairs may come one downstairs off.
Thanks again!

 

[itselectric]

Do you have a permanent live at both switches?

 

[Flakey]

Do you have a permanent live at both switches?

Yes there is a permanent live in both switches

 

[Hawkmoon]

I would wire this conduit method and use the extra core in the 3 core(s) to link both switch wires of both lights

To clarify - feed left switch common - sw wire to right switch common - link from right light switch common to left switch, switch wire (not in terminal)

That should work fine

 

[Octopus]

I would wire this conduit method and use the extra core in the 3 core(s) to link both switch wires of both lights

a reasonable idea except the OP states using existing cabling!

 

[itselectric]

At left hand switch connect permanent live to common. connect strappers as normal. connect switch wire to yellow in a connector. leave intermediate as you have it. At right hand switch connect the swich wire along with the yellow into the common. strappers stay as normal. AT right hand ceiling rose disconnect permanent live and make it safe do the same atright hand switch.

 

[Hawkmoon]

a reasonable idea except the OP states using existing cabling!

Read again - explained a bit better (can be done with existing)

 

[Flakey]

I would wire this conduit method and use the extra core in the 3 core(s) to link both switch wires of both lights

To clarify - feed left switch common - sw wire to right switch common - link from light switch common to left switch switch wire (not in terminal)



That should work fine

Cheers Hawkmoon i was just think that actually just trying to get the mist out of my head with that arrangment in terms of the cable connection conventions lol.

 

[Hawkmoon]

Cheers Hawkmoon i was just think that actually just trying to get the mist out of my head with that arrangment in terms of the cable connection conventions lol.

Wiring it conduit style means you only need 2 cores between switches, Your spare core can now be used to link switch wires (both connected to right hand common)

 

[7029 dave]

As above, as long as you have perm feed common pos 1, any switch pos in between (strapperx2) s/l common last switch, or vicky ferkey

 

[Hawkmoon]

Ignore the strappers they are ok where you have them

Left switch:

Live to common
Sw from left light jointed to 3 core red (not in term)


Right switch:
Red of 3 core in common along with sw to right hand light

 

[Flakey]

Ignore the strappers they are ok where you have them

Left switch:

Live to common
Sw from left light jointed to 3 core red (not in term)


Right switch:
Red of 3 core in common along with sw to right hand light

Cheers HawkMoon & Itselectric

This look right