Adding a new light with a switch

Londonproject · Nov 20, 2022

I’m looking to add a new light and with a switch to a old property with older wiring techniques I have not come across.

From looking the cables are going to the switch first rather than the light . Any help is appreciated

littlespark · Nov 20, 2022

Same question last month.
Same photos

All you need is a T&E from the switch, up to the new light position. Youve got the neutral there. Also, any new work needs to be protected by RCD.

Advise you get an electrician though... as the old cables may not be in great condition to be working on.

Londonproject · Nov 20, 2022

littlespark said:
Same question last month.
Same photos

All you need is a T&E from the switch, up to the new light position. Youve got the neutral there. Also, any new work needs to be protected by RCD.

Advise you get an electrician though... as the old cables may not be in great condition to be working on.

Ok thanks for reply.so a twin and earth from the switch to the new light but I want the new light with its own switch . So a cable from the the new light to the new switch?

littlespark · Nov 20, 2022

Note my last sentence mentioning an electrician. There doesn't seem to be a cpc in the cables, so to advise you any further would be unsafe.

Londonproject · Nov 20, 2022

littlespark said:
Note my last sentence mentioning an electrician. There doesn't seem to be a cpc in the cables, so to advise you any further would be unsafe.

Yes there are earths but not showing in photos .

davesparks · Nov 20, 2022

Forget adding a light for the moment, you need to get that installation checked out by a decent electrician as you have some problems there.

davesparks · Nov 20, 2022

littlespark said:
Note my last sentence mentioning an electrician. There doesn't seem to be a cpc in the cables, so to advise you any further would be unsafe.

There's earths there, what's missing is a back-box for the switch!

littlespark · Nov 20, 2022

davesparks said:
There's earths there, what's missing is a back-box for the switch!

i see one at the ceiling rose... unsleeved... but nothing at the switch. Maybe just the angle of view

davesparks · Nov 20, 2022

littlespark said:
i see one at the ceiling rose... unsleeved... but nothing at the switch. Maybe just the angle of view

They are there, you can make out the solid green sleeving shoved into the wall cavity and bodged tigether in a connector block.

littlespark · Nov 20, 2022

davesparks said:
They are there, you can make out the solid green sleeving shoved into the wall cavity and bodged tigether in a connector block.

yes. i see it now.

Not on the 3 core though.

Anyway... As youve got a Live, Neutral and Earth at this switch... you can either take a T&E to another switch, then up to the light.... or to the light first, then down to the switch.

Londonproject · Nov 20, 2022

Thanks for advise , property is due to have a full test

timhoward · Nov 20, 2022

davesparks said:
There's earths there, what's missing is a back-box for the switch!

There's only just about a wall there to add a box to....!
I think the first task there is cutting back the plaster and laths back to the next stud, fitting a noggin to sit a box on, adding some new laths, and having some fun with plaster....