Changing the outside light

[richie4236]

A previous owner of our house installed an exterior light under the porch. Unfortunately he didn't do a terribly good job of it. The light is wired into the hall lighting circuit, meaning when you turn on the hall lights, on comes the one outside too. Not really what we want, and I'm guessing it was done this way because that's the easiest / laziest way. The hall light switch near the door has been replaced with a double 2-way, but was never connected.

Obviously, I could pull up the bedroom floor, pull cables down the wall and include the switch, which is a lot of effort, or I thought of an alternative, but I'm not sure if it's permissible. At the moment the outside light is wired into the light/appliance side of the switch. Could I just re-wire it in the ceiling rose so the outside light is connected to the common live instead, and then replace the light fitting outside with a PIR one?

Do I need to be able to isolate the outside light with a switch and/or place it on a fused spur?

I'll do it the harder way if that's what's needed, but wanted to check first. Thanks.

 

[Taylortwocities]

It sounds like the usual of someone embarking on a wee project withpout any idea of how to go about it.

From what you have said, I am not sure how this has been wired up. Especially this bit

the outside light is wired into the light/appliance side of the switch.

Can you post a pic of how it has been wired up.

 

[amjmfareham]

Perhaps he will know.....

 

[Echo the husky]

Could I just re-wire it in the ceiling rose so the outside light is connected to the common live instead, and then replace the light fitting outside with a PIR one?

Yes, though a switch is always useful to have.

 

[richie4236]

From what you have said, I am not sure how this has been wired up. Especially this bit

the outside light is wired into the light/appliance side of the switch.

Can you post a pic of how it has been wired up.

Sorry if my terminology is a little off. I'm a techie, not a sparky; and I'm just starting to learn about electrics.

Diagram below. Essentially what I'm asking is this: can I move the exterior light live from position 7 to 6, making the circuit permanently live. Then replace the outside fitting with a PIR activated one, or, does it need to be fused and/or switched?

 

[EFLImpudence]

Yes you can do that. No you don't need to fuse it.

Not essential but it may be useful to have a switch if the circuit is RCD protected.
Can you put in a double pole switch somewhere - even if not in a usual place?