Moving a light switch. DIY?

STOCKWIRE

CaptainKidd wrote: »

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?????

Correct Crimps, proper tool (ratchet type), heat shrink sleeving is something a novice electrician is unlikely to have/use, and certainly not available in your average DIY store. Anything less is a fire risk.

CaptainKidd

STOCKWIRE wrote: »

Correct Crimps, proper tool (ratchet type), heat shrink sleeving is something a novice electrician is unlikely to have/use, and certainly not available in your average DIY store. Anything less is a fire risk.

All of these things mentioned are available in B&Q/ Screwfix etc so theres no problem in getting hold of them, why say my post was "not very good advice" when its the proper way of doing it if you want the position of the old switch hidden? which if you read my first post on here is what i was refering to when talking about crimping.

And what about the 3 - 4 pole switch you mention? i still dont see its relevence?

STOCKWIRE

CaptainKidd wrote: »

All of these things mentioned are available in B&Q/ Screwfix etc so theres no problem in getting hold of them, why say my post was "not very good advice" when its the proper way of doing it if you want the position of the old switch hidden? which if you read my first post on here is what i was refering to when talking about crimping.

And what about the 3 - 4 pole switch you mention? i still dont see its relevence?

f

Your talking about a Novice. what might be straight forward to you could prove difficult to someone else without back round knowledge. It might not be a simple case of extending two wires. the yellow cable used in some lighting circuits could / has been mistaken for an earth. Never presume when it comes to electrics. The crimps available in B&Q are not suitable for mains nor is the crimping tool. Please remember fires are caused by botched diy electrics.

CaptainKidd

STOCKWIRE wrote: »

f

Your talking about a Novice. what might be straight forward to you could prove difficult to someone else without back round knowledge. It might not be a simple case of extending two wires. the yellow cable used in some lighting circuits could / has been mistaken for an earth. Never presume when it comes to electrics. The crimps available in B&Q are not suitable for mains nor is the crimping tool. Please remember fires are caused by botched diy electrics.

The crimps in B&Q are suitable aslong as you get the correct ones obviousley (230v)

I know what your talking about that it might not be a simple job for a novice but the OP came here asking for advice and with all the advice given they can then decide if the fell they are capable of doing the job or not. Iam sure if they opened up the switch and didnt understand it then they would either come here and ask or leave the job and get an electrician in.

Iam a spark myself for many years (iam assuming the same of you) and have come across some realy shody elecs to the point where you know the person never had a clue of what they where doing or what could result and for that reason i would rather someone ask advice that way they have a good idea of the correct way and then can decide if they feel able or not. If its a major job then i would say this and reccomend they get an electrician in.

tartanterra

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!

As you are altering an existing circuit (by extending it with new fixed cabling) it is notifiable minor work.

It is little understood, but even non notifiable work is required to comply with BS7671 requirements for inspection and testing and the issuing of a minor works certificate.

As it is a light switch it should also comply with Part M of the building regulations.

Don't forget to mark the line conductors on the new cabling if you are using 3 core and earth. (BS7671 514.3; Idendification of conductors)

Also ensure that cabling concealed within walls complies with the Zones as prescribed in BS7671 522.6.6 and also the RCD requirements in the same Regulation.

STOCKWIRE

CaptainKidd wrote: »

The crimps in B&Q are suitable aslong as you get the correct ones obviousley (230v)

I know what your talking about that it might not be a simple job for a novice but the OP came here asking for advice and with all the advice given they can then decide if the fell they are capable of doing the job or not. Iam sure if they opened up the switch and didnt understand it then they would either come here and ask or leave the job and get an electrician in.

Iam a spark myself for many years (iam assuming the same of you) and have come across some realy shody elecs to the point where you know the person never had a clue of what they where doing or what could result and for that reason i would rather someone ask advice that way they have a good idea of the correct way and then can decide if they feel able or not. If its a major job then i would say this and reccomend they get an electrician in.

Then you should be advising the op that replacing the switch is ok but any additional fixed cabling i.e extending a wire comes under building regs, part p and as such is notifiable to the LABC.

If as a fully informed decision you decide to ignore the law, then that's up to you, Don't encourage others to do so !.

CaptainKidd

STOCKWIRE wrote: »

Then you should be advising the op that replacing the switch is ok but any additional fixed cabling i.e extending a wire comes under building regs, part p and as such is notifiable to the LABC.

If as a fully informed decision you decide to ignore the law, then that's up to you, Don't encourage others to do so !.

part p does not exist in Scotland which is where iam from

As for ignoring the law, there is no LAWS when it comes to electricity so how can i be breaking the law? There is only regulations when it comes to electricity. I take back what i said about you being a spark also if you dont know these simple things.

Good night

CaptainKidd

STOCKWIRE wrote: »

Then you should be advising the op that replacing the switch is ok but any additional fixed cabling i.e extending a wire comes under building regs, part p and as such is notifiable to the LABC.

If as a fully informed decision you decide to ignore the law, then that's up to you, Don't encourage others to do so !.

Also not knowing part p inside out as i dont have to deal with it but as far as i can read going by table one of part p the work mentioned (adding a switch to an existing circuit) is not notifiable as it does not come under a special location i,e kitchen bathroom.

can you show me where is says otherwise?

CaptainKidd

tartanterra wrote: »

As you are altering an existing circuit (by extending it with new fixed cabling) it is notifiable minor work.

It is little understood, but even non notifiable work is required to comply with BS7671 requirements for inspection and testing and the issuing of a minor works certificate.

As it is a light switch it should also comply with Part M of the building regulations.

Don't forget to mark the line conductors on the new cabling if you are using 3 core and earth. (BS7671 514.3; Idendification of conductors)

Also ensure that cabling concealed within walls complies with the Zones as prescribed in BS7671 522.6.6 and also the RCD requirements in the same Regulation.

Why are you trying to scare the OP into thinking its a hugh major job by quoting regs, its part of an existing circuit so why does part M need to come into it?

When will common sense come to this post:rotfl:

tartanterra

CaptainKidd wrote: »

part p does not exist in Scotland which is where iam from

As for ignoring the law, there is no LAWS when it comes to electricity so how can i be breaking the law? There is only regulations when it comes to electricity. I take back what i said about you being a spark also if you dont know these simple things.

Good night

Yes there is.

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
This act empowers the Secretary of State to make regulations.

If you hold C&G 2382, you should be aware of this basic law, as well as common law duty of care.

Lack of knowledge of a regulation is no defence in law.