Discuss Two way light switching using just twin and eath cable... in the Electrical Tools and Products area at ElectriciansForums.net

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kosbo

Hi All,
Do you know, if there is a proper way to use "standard" twin and eath cable for Two way light switching?
I know 3 core and eath cable should be used in this case, but it's very difficult to replace an existing ( twin and eath) cables...

Thanks in advance, Konstantin
 
you could run a single in for the extra cable.
 
Twin & Earth between the 2 switches and singles (and cpc) run from each switch back to the light.
 
Hi All,
Do you know, if there is a proper way to use "standard" twin and eath cable for Two way light switching?
I know 3 core and eath cable should be used in this case, but it's very difficult to replace an existing ( twin and eath) cables...

Thanks in advance, Konstantin

Are you doing this job?

Please don't be tempted to use the bare cpc as the '3rd core'.
 
It's complicated but it could be done with just 2 wires and a relay arrangement at a push. Problem would be the logistics of the relay installation.
 
make sure its a single and earth you run aswel, not a length of cat 5E with all the cores twisted together like i found on a job the other day!
 
Seen this before IQ, apprentice ran t&e instead of 3 core. My boss used cpc as 3rd core.... New build had been plastered and decorated, so he took the easy option but naughty option.

make sure its a single and earth you run aswel, not a length of cat 5E with all the cores twisted together like i found on a job the other day!

Where are you guys working? Lol!
 
went round to a house in the isle of man as the customer was complaining of lights burning out and tripping off regular, the install was only four years old and we HAD to condemn the installation and recommend a rewire, it was that bad. the ring mains had the earths cut out there was lights running directly from a ring main, there was security cable carrying a common for a 2 way, there was no earths in the lighting circuits as they were all wired in single blue 1.5mm. the place was an absolute wreck. we've got the place in bits now in the process of a rewire. NIGHTMARE


I forgot to add, the idiot who wired the place used the outer sheath of cat 5 to sleeve whatever earths he did leave attached. will post pics when i load em up.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thanks alot for quick replies.

Yes, I am doing this job and it's difficult to add an extra single wire, as existing cables are stuck in the walls and I can't put through new extra or replacement cable and if I need to add an extra cable, I better remove old ones and put new proper 3 core and eath.

I am electronics engineer and getting electrician qualification now, so I know, that I should not use bare cpc as the '3rd core'.

I just thought if you might used or heard about electronic device, which I can use to solve this headache...

Thanks, Konstantin
 
Richmond do a in line dimmer that uses two wire resistive switches to work. Switches are wired in parallel so as long as you can site the dimmer unit you would just need to run another twin from the dimmer to the extra switch position. Obviously this is only any use if the load is dimmable. Alternatively there are programmable relays that work using a similar method. Fitted one such relay in a kitchen when I swapped the halogen undercupboard lights for T5 fittings. The original switch was a resistive one in this case on a remote dimmer. Can't remember where I got it from but try Googling stairway lighting control relays. You'll want one with a pulse on and off feature.
 
forguive me if ive misread the posts, but you can use the conduit method of 2 way switching. ill post a pic up if i can find one. it invloves taking a common from the loop terminal in a fitting. the twin and earth is your strappers. then at the other your common is the switched live. intemediates can be inserted anywhere in the strappers.
 
Two way light switching using just twin and eath cable... {filename} | ElectriciansForums.net
 
Hi johnboy6083
I have a similar installation query - existing cabling 2core+E between the two switches on a stairwell lighting system. Using this cable (rather than running a new 3co+E) results in the layout you describe above. Would this pass Part P ?
thanks
S
 

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