Moving a light switch. DIY?

madmish00

We currently have a 6ft archway between our lounge and dining room which we are having a door put onto and the rest of the gap boarded in a plastered. This means that the light switch as is now would be approximately 4ft to the left of the door.

Electrics is one thing I have not done much with before so I wanted to check whether the following is OK:

Using the existing switch box as a junction box connect the wires with terminal block to a new length of cable which would run inside the boarded up section to the side of the new door. Fit the new switch box and light switch and then cover the 'junction box' with a blanking plate.

Is it really as straightforward as this or is there something I am missing. If it is this straightforward I am happy doing it myself but if I'm off the mark then I will get an electrician in to sort it.

Also I understand that is is not notifiable - is this correct?

Thanks in advance!

docmatt

As long as you use the correct rating/thickness of wire and the proper junc box then I can't see why not. Obviously you know a sparky should really be doing it.

muckybutt

madmish00 wrote: »

We currently have a 6ft archway between our lounge and dining room which we are having a door put onto and the rest of the gap boarded in a plastered. This means that the light switch as is now would be approximately 4ft to the left of the door.

Electrics is one thing I have not done much with before so I wanted to check whether the following is OK:

Using the existing switch box as a junction box connect the wires with terminal block to a new length of cable which would run inside the boarded up section to the side of the new door. Fit the new switch box and light switch and then cover the 'junction box' with a blanking plate.

Is it really as straightforward as this or is there something I am missing. If it is this straightforward I am happy doing it myself but if I'm off the mark then I will get an electrician in to sort it.

Also I understand that is is not notifiable - is this correct?

Thanks in advance!

It really is as simple as that !

for lighting you will require 1.5mm twin and earth cost a couple of quid per meter from bnq.

I know its obvious but .... turn off the electric before you delve into the light switch !

docmatt

muckybutt wrote: »

I know its obvious but .... turn off the electric before you delve into the light switch !

Lol I was gonna say that but thought, nah:o

CaptainKidd

Not sure how much you know but a fast fix box for the gyproc wall would be easier to install instead of a metal back box, you could also do away with the single blank plate if you crimp the cables instead of connector block and then plaster over, but if its not in the way then you could just leave it

expatdave

For DIY use the wago compact connectors are brilliant and much easier to use than terminal connectors.

fluffpot

no you can't just plaster over the old switch as then there is nothing to tell someone in the future that there are cables running down to that position. Using a blanking plate gets round this, so stick to your original idea

madmish00

Thanks for the replies.

I will have a look for the fast fix box but think I will stick to the blanking plate just in case anything stops working! It's tucked away in the corer of the room and will most likely be behind furniture anyway.

I've done straightforward replacements of light fittings/sockets etc before but never actually had to move anything so just wanted to check I was right in my thinking

Thanks again!

STOCKWIRE

CaptainKidd wrote: »

Not sure how much you know but a fast fix box for the gyproc wall would be easier to install instead of a metal back box, you could also do away with the single blank plate if you crimp the cables instead of connector block and then plaster over, but if its not in the way then you could just leave it

Not very good advise.

Also this could be a 3 - 4 pole switch. Best advise would be to use an electrician.

CaptainKidd

fluffpot wrote: »

no you can't just plaster over the old switch as then there is nothing to tell someone in the future that there are cables running down to that position. Using a blanking plate gets round this, so stick to your original idea

yes you can, if the cables are crimped and the correct regs are followed regarding capping etc then there is no problem in plastering over

CaptainKidd

STOCKWIRE wrote: »

Not very good advise.

Also this could be a 3 - 4 pole switch. Best advise would be to use an electrician.

the crimping was offered as a way of allowing them to plaster over the cables as you cant plaster over connector block as you need access to terminal screws.

So what if it a 3 or 4 pole switch crimps are crimps no matter the amount of cables, i dont see what your getting at here?????