Question regarding two way switch for 1 light

[nhfrd86]

Hi I have a question i am building my own house and will get the electrics signed off by an electrician so this is just advice as to whether i can proceed with the following layout,. I basically have installed 1 wire to each switch different sides of the room which i am aware i should have installed another wire between the switches to enable 2 way. But can i use the below layout which means there is a main switch which has to be on for the light to work but both enable the light to be switched off. If i can not use the below layout i will only use 1 switch and disconnect the other one.

[Someone-Else]

Why not remove both cables and install quinetic switches? They are radio switches, so dont need a cable, and you put the receiver near the light.
oh, your idea, don't even think about it.

[OnlyMe]

Boolean algebra says no.

[Neelix]

Ask the person who's going to sign it off?

[ericmark]

two-way-real.jpg (32.97 KiB) Viewed 1075 times

The old two way lighting is as shown, however I have realised the work involved running cables from the existing switch to second switch is not easy, so looked for other options.

There are a number, the kinetic switch where you operating the switch produces enough energy for it to transmit the signal to a master switch, there are also options with small batteries, but in the main the smart devices have taken over.

You can get smart switches, some need a neutral, and those without a neutral make some bulbs glow when switched off, there are relays, either at switch or lamp, which mean the switch works with extra low voltage, and has two way functions with phone or remote controls, I use in the main the latter, next to my bed. And there are bulbs which can be remote controlled with either a phone or a remote control, or even a PIR.

Also using electronic switches the wiring changes, where you have a master and a slave, so three core and earth between the switches, but also if you used three core and earth to the switch from the light, the extra core can bring a neutral to the switch.

In the main we wire ceiling rose to ceiling rose, as less volt drop, and better loop impedance, but there has been a move to use the switch back box as the junction box instead of the ceiling rose, pros and cons with both, having non switched line at the ceiling rose is good for fans and emergency lights, but having a neutral at the switch, allows the use of electronic switches easier.

As to signing off, you can use the LABC before you start, and they will issue the completion certificate, but tends to be expensive, same in England (Not Wales) with some electricians again must be engaged before any work starts, and they say when to call them back, and they arrange for the compliance certificate, but only some of the scheme providers do that, and however it is done, they can't issue the installation certificate, you need to write out that and sign it, if you are doing the work.

I know you can hire test equipment, but not cheap, as after each hire it needs calibrating, and to buy it looking at around £750, and for the LABC to accept your readings you need to show you have the skill, C&G 2391 etc. When I did it I used a night class, and think I paid around £200 for the three certificates, but the price has now jumped up, so looking at around £1000, so when it came to rewiring my mothers house, I paid for a scheme member to do it, it is simply not worth the hassle, I did one job with LABC and decided never again. Even if they accept you as having the skill, in Wales it is £100 plus vat for the first £2000 worth of work, if they want EICR then you also pay for that.

So for DIY add £1000 for paperwork and test equipment, then ask is it worth it.