replacing a 1 gang switch with a 2 gang switch

[AnonymousImport]

Hi I previously had a 1 gang switch wired up to two separate light fittings in my room. So when u press the switch both lights turn on. I wish to replace the switch with a 2 gang switch allowing me to switch each light on separately. How can this be done?

 

[pinecf3]

do you have 2 sets of wires for the 2 lights into the existing switch or has the second light been extended from the ceiling rose?

 

[AnonymousImport]

I have the same problem and I have 2 sets of wiring in the switch plus the main feed.

 

[AnonymousImport]

The second light has been extended from the ceiling rose.

 

[tompeeuk]

How was your 1 switch and 2 lights wired?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Tompee - it's been 2 years since those posts were made - I don't think the people are still checking for replies.....

 

[securespark]

Well, you never know.......

 

[watters01]

im interested i think this is exactly what im needing to do. currently i have 1 light and a 1 gang switch in our bedroom. i want to change that for 2 lights with a 2 gang switch. i am going to run new cables in the wall for this new additional light but i am unsure of how to connect the cables into the back of the 2 gang switch. currently i have two red wires only at the back of the switch but once i have ran the new cable for the additional light i will have these two red cables and then one new red and black, which i am unclear where to put in the new 2 gang switch. plzzz help and soon because i am decorating and i need to get these cables raggled into the wall and connected. yours hopefully watters

 

[plugwash]

with noly two wires at the switch they must both be lives

two reds at the switch you say?

is that a red and a black with red sleeving?
are they singles in conduit?

what kind of light is the new light?

 

[Lectrician]

could be that Twin red Twin and Earth - very rare though!

 

[ban-all-sheds]

im interested i think this is exactly what im needing to do. currently i have 1 light and a 1 gang switch in our bedroom. i want to change that for 2 lights with a 2 gang switch. i am going to run new cables in the wall for this new additional light

And presumably a neutral and a permanent live to a rose or JB for the new light, the live to be taken to the switch with the new cable?

but i am unsure of how to connect the cables into the back of the 2 gang switch. currently i have two red wires only at the back of the switch but once i have ran the new cable for the additional light i will have these two red cables and then one new red and black, which i am unclear where to put in the new 2 gang switch.

The two reds will go into COM & L1 on one gang of the new switch, and the new red & black will go into the other COM & L1 respectively. Don't forget to sleeve the ends of the black core with red to indicate that it is a switched live.

See //www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=7553 for diagrams of how lighting circuits are wired.