How to split a lighting circuit in a single room into two rooms

[rwdl1984]

Hi there,

We had an extension done a few years back and the new bedroom has 8 downlights in it with two-way switching, one switch at one end of room and one switch at the other. It's a long narrow room. Because of that we want to split it in two with a stud wall to make better use of the space. We then want one switch to control the 4 lights in one room and the other switch to control the 4 lights in the other.

Firstly, is this possible and if so, how do you go about that?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Lee Gold]

Hi there,

We had an extension done a few years back and the new bedroom has 8 downlights in it with two-way switching, one switch at one end of room and one switch at the other. It's a long narrow room. Because of that we want to split it in two with a stud wall to make better use of the space. We then want one switch to control the 4 lights in one room and the other switch to control the 4 lights in the other.

Firstly, is this possible and if so, how do you go about that?

Thanks in advance!

For Room 1, run a new cable from the existing switch to the 4 lights in that room.

For Room 2, run a new cable from the second switch to the 4 lights in that room.

If the switches do not already have independent feeds, you'll need to provide them by running cables from the junction box or consumer unit.



5. Modify the Switches: Convert the two-way switches into standard single-pole switches (if the two-way functionality is no longer needed), or keep them as two-way if you'd still like control from both ends of the room for each set of lights.


6. Test the Connections: Once rewired, test each switch to ensure it only controls the 4 lights in its corresponding room.


Comply with Regulations: Ensure the work complies with local wiring regulations (e.g., BS 7671 in the UK). You may need a qualified electrician to certify the work, especially if it involves adding new wiring.

 

[littlespark]

Whereabouts in Edinburgh are you?
I’m down in the borders if you need a pro.

 

[mainline]

For Room 1, run a new cable from the existing switch to the 4 lights in that room.

For Room 2, run a new cable from the second switch to the 4 lights in that room.

If the switches do not already have independent feeds, you'll need to provide them by running cables from the junction box or consumer unit.

There is already a means of getting L to the other switch, the N will already be at the light fittings.

The 4 lights for the one room are already working and switched.

He may be able to re jig the other SL for the other 4 lights, dependent on the route of the 2 way switch wiring.

Quinetic maybe an option.

 

[mainline]

Edit :double post for some reason

 

[littlespark]

Dans been working on the forum.... so there's a few hiccups with deleted or duplicated posts.

Im still waiting on an answer from #3

 

[Jock from the north]

There is already a means of getting L to the other switch, the N will already be at the light fittings.

The 4 lights for the one room are already working and switched.

He may be able to re jig the other SL for the other 4 lights, dependent on the route of the 2 way switch wiring.

Quinetic maybe an option.

If the bedroom is being partitioned of, possible smoke alarm .Still don't know layout if it's one big room with partition and door going thru to what is now the bedroom or there is access from either side of bedroom ?

 

[Jock from the north]

Hi there,

We had an extension done a few years back and the new bedroom has 8 downlights in it with two-way switching, one switch at one end of room and one switch at the other. It's a long narrow room. Because of that we want to split it in two with a stud wall to make better use of the space. We then want one switch to control the 4 lights in one room and the other switch to control the 4 lights in the other.

Firstly, is this possible and if so, how do you go about that?

Thanks in advance!

Anything is possible .just depends on what access you have ,budget patching holes etc for running new cables [if required] .also think about whether you need any extra smoke alarm/s if your splitting bedroom in 2 .your existing smoke alarm in hallway maybe to far away from bedroom door .Best to get a local sparky in .there's one on the forum offerd to help