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

 

[derek]

Can you get the two lamps in parallel? If you can't then you will have a problem with the lamps being in series as far as I can work out at this hour on a Sunday.

 

[Flakey]

lol I know Hawkmoon only realised when i re-read

 

[Plonker 3]

Hawkmoon I have no problem with wiring in normal curcumstances im trying to see if im breaking anything apart from good practice by doing this because id rather tell the customer it cant be done. Like i said i dont want to rip their house to bits as they have high end flooring and the decor is finished. Im just building my arsenal of knowledge and good practice!

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.

 

[Hawkmoon]

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.

I don't know this guy's background but I have known a couple of sparks in my time who are competent and safe but just have trouble getting their head round unusual 2 way/inter circuits - not scary.

Oh and by the way - what has 'on site weather' got to do with it?? Even if there has been a lot of rain


Sorry - in silly mood this morning lol

 

[telectrix]

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.

 

[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?