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Removal of 2 Gang Light Socket to Remove Wall
Posted: Sun Jul 30, 2017 2:25 pm
by Richhen
Hi,
First post and hoping someone can help!
I need to remove this 2 gang light switch from the wall (wall getting knocked down).
I was planning to connect the appropriate wires from the switches together in a junction box in the roof space.
Trouble is I'm not sure which wires to connect!
The output from the 2nd switch on this plate (right switch) is redundant.
Thought I could connect all the reds together, all black together and all earth together, but something tells me it's not as simple as that!
Need to do this job today, so any help much appreciated!
Thanks in advance!
Rich
Re: Removal of 2 Gang Light Socket to Remove Wall
Posted: Mon Jul 31, 2017 8:15 am
by kbrownie
And how do you propose to use the switch gang that is not redundant?
You are quite right that it is not as simple as connecting all the same coloured cores together.
You have switch line conductors coloured black and neutrals look to be also terminated at the backbox, which are also black. These should not be connected together.
You also have common permanent live conductor, which when connected to other switch lines which will keep lights on all times.
You can also not have junction boxes in inaccessible locations.
MF boxes must be used when there is restricted or no access to the electrical connections.
Re: Removal of 2 Gang Light Socket to Remove Wall
Posted: Mon Jul 31, 2017 8:52 am
by Richhen
Thanks for your reply.
I just want to connect the relevant wires to remove the switch completely.
The left switch on the plate is a 2nd switch for a ceiling light. The right switch on the plate is for an external light which no longer exists, so right switch can go completely, and relevant wires joined up to maintain the circuit for the ceiling light, operating off the other switch in the room.
The connection will be just above the plaster ceiling. It won't be visible but a quick punch to the plaster ceiling will make it accessible if ever needed. What is an MF box. Maybe best to do it this way to be sure.
Thanks again
Re: Removal of 2 Gang Light Socket to Remove Wall
Posted: Mon Jul 31, 2017 7:23 pm
by kbrownie
Punching a hole in the ceiling, will not comply as accessible.
MF stands for maintenance free. Which means these type of junction boxes are considered maintenance free and can be located in inaccessible.
Re: Removal of 2 Gang Light Socket to Remove Wall
Posted: Mon Jul 31, 2017 7:38 pm
by Richhen
That's good advice thanks.
Will look to use an MF box.
Cheers
Re: Removal of 2 Gang Light Socket to Remove Wall
Posted: Tue Aug 01, 2017 9:22 am
by kbrownie