Adding another light to a twin Dimmer switch Ask questions and find answers to many subjects relating to electrics and electrical work

[John82]

Hello,

I have looked at the projects, found similar things but not quite the same. The same goes for the forum. So I am here to plead for any help.

An open cupboard was added to the lounge, and we wanted to put a light in it. Currently there is a twin dimmer switch, one that switches the main light, and one that switches the side lights.

I am trying to add this light onto the side lights dimmer switch.

The switch is wired with one live in, looped across the two switches, with the two L1's going to the lights itself. My problem comes when connecting the new light. I tried to correct it in series with the side lights, from the L1 of the dimmer, with no joy, the new light lit, but the side lights didn't. I am did attempt to wire it in parrallel as well, but hoping I did something wrong, as again only one lit.

I can not understand why it would not have the power to light the side lights. Can any one help me please?

[sparx]

Hi John, you can't add lights from switches, no neutral at sw.
Its a bit like trying to jump start a car with only one lead!!!
You said yourself there is a looped live and two switch wires one to each fitting, electricians don't put in spare wires to make it easy to add on,
to do what you want is quite a lot of work, the neutral has to come from existing light along with sw. live & earth, so forget going to sw. & run tw/e from light you want to be on with, loop N & E in wth existing ones & L in with sw. live connected to lamp flex.
regards SPARX

[John82]

Hello Sparx,

Thanks for the quick reply. I had a very strong feeling that that was the case (about the neutral). I knew the way to do it if I could access the other lights full wiring, unfortunatly they aren't really accessible.

Not to worry... back to the drawing board.

Thanks again.

John