Mend > Lighting

3 way light switch?

Hi

I would like to install spot lights in my kitchen. I would like to install 3 sets of 3 spot lights and wire them on a 3 gang switch so one swich will operate one set of spot lights. I know I take the main live to com 1 in the switch then link from com 1 to com 2 then come 2 to com 3 and take a live from each L1 to the 3 sets of spot lights. But the thing that is confusing me is that I am using 1.5mm 2 core PVC PVC cable which has a netural in, where do I take the neutral because the spot lights need a neutral but there is no where in the switch for a neutral???

Lewis
February 2010

D.I.Y, Lighting 3 Way Light Switch

you need to look in a mirror and say. work dammit 4 times, turn around and touch your toes.
then go get the yellow pages

stupid questions get stupid answers
February 2010

lewis, honestly mate get a spark because it doesnt matter what you do you are definately goin to have to add cable to the circuit, basicaly its like adding another 2 rooms to the existing lighting radial circuit and if your not comfortable doing that then youve got no chance of doing what adam or pecavvi has suggested.
so no disrespect to yourself , but GET A SPARK.

stoozybhoy.
February 2010

You could either take the feed (live and neutral) to a junction box and take 3 cables to the switch using brown as live feed and blue (with brown sleeve) as switched live, then run from the junction box to the lights
or
take the feed directly to the switch (COM) which are all linked together as you suggested,
put the neutral in connector block, then
run 3 cables (one to each row of lights), connecting brown to L1 in the switch and blue in the connector block behind the switch.

Personally I would go for the second option - with the first you would have a load of connections in the ceiling which isn't really practical unless you live in a bungalow.

Remember if you install a new circuit back to the board you will need an electrical installation certificate and building control would have to be notified.

Adam
February 2010

Neutral is seldom (if ever) switched in a lighting circuit so there is seldom a need to take Neutral to a switch. The "Neutral" wire is often used as Switched Live and should carry an identifying marker accordingly - usually a Red or Brown sleeve.

This picture of a ceiling rose may help understanding...

http://www.flameport.com/electric/lighting_circuits/lighting_ceiling_rose_looped.cs4

You will need to arrange one Live to the switch position - one switched live to each lamp and a neutral (probably daisy chained) from each lamp back to the distribution board - A 4 way junction box (similar to a ceiling rose) at the first lamp position may help you achieve what you want - either that or an electrician.

Good luck... Take care...

Good luck

Peccavi
February 2010