Does moving a light switch mean getting under floorboards above?

puddy

We have a light switch conveniently situated behind the living room door, we would like to get it moved, however, i have just wondered whether this means that someone would need to get under the floor of the room above, which is carpeted.

i know this is stupid question but i dont know anything about electrics,,, but where do the electric wires go to and from? how do they get into the wall?? i have always assumed that they come from the loft i suppose.

how do people do electrical work if they need to get under floorboards and there is carpet down??

zax47

Errmmm....... I tend to lift carpet and lift boards if I need access. Light switch wires almost certainly go up.

Moved how far? If across the room then yes, I'd probably need to lift some boards above to get access and run a new cable. If just other side of door then I might get away without if there is any slack, but unlikely to be enough.

mikey72

And channel the wall from the ceiling to the new switch.

Jonesya

If you don't want the hassle of moving the switch have you considered replacing it with a remote controlled switch, something like the switch below, or if there's no line of sight then an RF equivalent.

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/VLIS1401.html

andrew-b

You don't necessarily have to lift all the boards - just ones necessary to access to above the light fitting itself and one or two near whichever wall the light switch is to be fitted or removed from the room below. But if your unlucky and the new cable run isn't parallel to the floor joists most will need to be lifted.

If you pay enough you can get remote switches which would make channelling out the wall unnecessary..... for example see the links under the "Remote controlled switches" section here. I expect these will become much more common soon as there is a common trend for things going wireless..but it does the cable monkey's out of a job!

Andy

puddy

thats a good product, but its more a case of when you come in the room, you have to open the door, then close the door to reach behind it to turn the light on, very clumsy set up

andrew-b

Jonesya wrote: »

If you don't want the hassle of moving the switch have you considered replacing it with a remote controlled switch, something like the switch below, or if there's no line of sight then an RF equivalent.

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/VLIS1401.html

u beat me to it!..that'll teach me for getting distracted whilst posting!

Andy

puddy

so who puts the carpet back after the electricians finished, do when then need a carpet fitter?? why are things so complicated?

PasturesNew

Rehang the door the other way...?

andrew-b

jenner wrote: »

thats a good product, but its more a case of when you come in the room, you have to open the door, then close the door to reach behind it to turn the light on, very clumsy set up

Rehang a new door the other way round? Or wouldn't it make sense? Chippies are cheaper than sparks (b4 u ask nope no recommendations on them ).

Andy

andrew-b

PasturesNew wrote: »

Rehang the door the other way...?

i cross posted again lol!