Bedside lights controlled with 2 x 2gang switchs

[Secret_Sipper]

I'm having various thoughts about whether to go down this route or just control the side you are on with the switch on that side.

If I were to contemplate this could any one point me in the right direction please?

I'm not mounting the lights directly on the wall (as I don't want to run the cabling inside the studded wall and have big holes in the plasterboard if we decide to move the bedroom around) so I have 2 x 2gang sockets on either side of the bed that my thoughts were to use a plug to provide power to the lights either side. Lights are going to have LEDs in or low wattage bulbs and I'm going to install switch's to turn the lights on and off.

Can be on separate plugs or split from one, either way.

It would be handy to be able to turn her light off from my side if needs be but I'm confusing myself and need abit of clarity how it could be done.

Many thanks

 

[EFLImpudence]

Where are you going to run the cables?

 

[chivers67]

If you wanted two way switching you'd need to run a three core and earth between the switches. You'd be best off using 5amp lighting plugs to fed the lamps

 

[EFLImpudence]

This is what you will need:
CPCs(earths) not shown.

 

[bernardgreen]

An alternative using a single cable is

using 6 core plus earth cable https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/CA0dot75F7.html

The cable has 6 black cores numbered 1 to 6.

The five cores connected to the switches should be sleeved with Brown as they are Live or Switched Live
The core connecteing Neutral to the lamps shopuld be sleeved Blue

 

[EFLImpudence]

You could do that on just the lower cable in my diagram which would leave the same number of wires.

What is the point of doing it as well on the upper cable?

 

[bernardgreen]

What is the point of doing it as well on the upper cable?

Having the same circuit arrangement on both lamps would make it a bit eaier to understand when any work is needed in the future.

Could reduce by one core ( and thus get the neutral into one of the triple and earths ) by combining the two permanent Live strappers into one.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Having the same circuit arrangement on both lamps would make it a bit eaier to understand when any work is needed in the future.

That's why I didn't do it.

Could reduce by one core ( and thus get the neutral into one of the triple and earths ) by combining the two permanent Live strappers into one.

Ooooh, never thought of that.
That would confuse someone in the future.

 

[Secret_Sipper]

Where are you going to run the cables?

Plan is we have bought all new furniture/bed frame etc and I'm going to purchase some American white oak boards. From the floor to about 1.8m up vertical and mount the lamps on there. In theory I'm gonna rebate a channel out on the back of the board to run the cabling to the bottom behind the bed.
I'll basically hook the board onto the studded wall so its keeping it upright but not taking any weight as running the wood to the floor is taking the weight. I'll mount the 2 gang switch about midway on each sides.
That's the plan anyway...

Thanks for everyone's input. Have abit of work to do before getting to that stage but at least with your help it looks like it can be done how I wanted .
(well originally wanted dimmer switches but the new led ones apparently aren't for low wattage single figures Ie minimum watts are 30-40)

 

[phatboy]

You could use dimmers, Varilight dimmers say "1 - 10" led bulbs. Although if you wanted 2 way, you would have to switch at 1 side only, or get very expensive having a grid switch and a grid dimmer at each side of the bed!!

 

[deadshort]

(well originally wanted dimmer switches but the new led ones apparently aren't for low wattage single figures Ie minimum watts are 30-40)

Hi, sorry is that not the point in having a dimmer ?

Regards,

DS

 

[John D v2.0]

An alternative using a single cable is

View attachment 104961

using 6 core plus earth cable https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/CA0dot75F7.html

The cable has 6 black cores numbered 1 to 6.

The five cores connected to the switches should be sleeved with Brown as they are Live or Switched Live
The core connecteing Neutral to the lamps shopuld be sleeved Blue

Good solution! Although having said that unfortunately unless the OP is going to ensure the cable is fully accessible for inspection they can't use flex for permanent wiring. However there's nothing wrong with two 3core as long as all conductors are clearly identified at both ends. The discussion about confusing people in future illustrates that we need adequate labelling of conductors and probably a diagram.

I'm liking the different ways of doing it though, I'm thinking who wouldn't want to control the main light off triple switches either? Getting into a hotel room setup though!

 

[bernardgreen]

I would be tempted to use one of these on each side of the bed
https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MKK2025.html
fitted with one of these for the lamps to plug into
https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MKK0771.html
and a 2 gang switch plate
https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MKK4872.html

The plug for the lamps
https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/TLPT5.html

and feed the set up from a 13 amp pluh fitted with a 5 amp fuse.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Nothing wrong with flex for permanent wiring/

Whether attached to a headboard is permanent wiring ...

 

[securespark]

I've been planning a similar thing in my bedroom; an oak headboard down to the floor and the same width as the bed plus two bedside cabinets combined.

I am going to take a feed from the existing bedroom light switch across to one side of the bed (intermediate) then loop across to the other side for the third switch.

I am fitting a 35 or 47mm 2 gang box on each side, into which will be fitted the switch modules (Scolmore Click) for the main bedroom light (1 on each side of the bed) and another for a 1W LED module that fits into the other side of the 2G box.

I am using CMA312 plate fitted with switch modules MM002WH MM025WH and LED module MM1000WW.

https://www.scolmore.com/_pdfs/new_media.pdf

I'm my case I am going to sink 2G boxes with short tails of cable exiting which will reach the box recessed into the headboard.

When the headboard comes out, the gubbins can be refitted to the boxes in the wall.

My idea was inspired by a stay in a Travelodge!

It will look a bit like this, but without the alcove shelves:

https://www.travelodge.co.uk/about-us/great-value/our-rooms