New(ish) build electrics question

[miniman]

Anyone got a view on how likely it would be for it to be possible to pull an additional run of T&E from behind an existing light switch, up into the loft (directly above)? Are they typically tacked to the studwork (I don't think so, its metal stud)? Looking to upgrade the lighting in the boys room and would be good to understand whether it's a huge job or not.

TIA

[netherfield]

Probably no neutral at the light switch.

[B17NNS]

You want to drop a cable from the loft down to a switch? Should be quite straight forward.

[miniman]

B17NNS said:

You want to drop a cable from the loft down to a switch? Should be quite straight forward.

Yeah I'm hoping that's the case, in theory it should be easy, but I'm half expecting to find something blocking the drop.

[Royce44]

You will gain nothing from doing this. If your doing a 2-way switching system then it needs to be a 3core, but if you have access to the loft then run a cable from the exisiting light fitting, wired into the switch live

[Royce44]

You will gain nothing from doing this. If your doing a 2-way switching system then it needs to be a 3core, but if you have access to the loft then run a cable from the exisiting light fitting, wired into the switch live

[miniman]

The room currently has a single pendant, and it's effectively in the loft (3 storey house, not much loft above to speak of but enough to access). I want to add some lights in one of the sloping ceilings (in the eaves, I guess), without ripping too much to pieces. In other words, take a feed from current fitting, drop it down into the ceiling void and run a switch feed over to the existing switch, which I'll replace with a twin switch.

[R1 Indy]

Yes should be possible depending on how constructed.

I find it often easiest to disconnect the current cable, then securely tie 2 cables onto this.

Very carefully pull up from above.

Then tie the original cable back onto one of the two you pulled up, and pull back down.

Then you have the original cable, plus the new one at the switch.

Just make sure it's tied securely, and pull slow and gently!

[stuart313]

How many cables at the switch? if only one then the loop connections are at the pendant (or JB nearby), if you want to fit a 2 gang switch then just tie a piece of 3 core and earth to the twin and earth and pull it up into the loft.

The new lights will wire off the rose, just put a small connector or crimp inside.

You will have more trouble fishing down the slope, probably full of kingspan.

Edited by stuart313 on Sunday 1st February 22:01

[Alucidnation]

Assuming the existing cable is not clipped.

[Sheepshanks]

miniman said:

..and run a switch feed over to the existing switch, which I'll replace with a twin switch.

You could use a wireless switch of some sort. Never used them, but I know they exist.