Best way to resolve lack of light switch in long hallway

[Deleted User]

I live in a council house. I have a long hallway (5m) with a light switch only in the middle where the stairs are. Its a dark hallway as the front door is solid with no window. The only bulb socket is a meter away from the lounge door, so that's not ideal either, even when the light is on (bit by front door is dark).

So even in daylight, its a bit of an adventure to get to the lightswitch to light the hallway. I have slight mobility problems so am a little bit 'wobbly' walking. My feet always find something to trip over lol. I've also got the usual problems with extremely limited plug sockets but council just look at me blankly like I am asking something completely unheard of when I have suggested maybe the electrics need upgrading (last inspected in 2005, apparently its not due another electrical inspection until 2025 lol).

So I need a way to have the hallway lights come on before I am in the middle of it!

There are solutions. I don't really want to make channels as the place is built with concrete blocks, no plaster skimming (yes, I know, hate it but council is as council does). So been looking at remote control system but not sure how complicated and expensive it will be to get installed (don't want to spend money I don't have to when there might be a less expensive way to solve the problem). I do have smart phones etc and quite like gizmos lol. But scared of losing a remote control.

I'd quite like a second bulb near the front door as well. I could go for a movement sensor plug in light bulb but I'd kindof like something in the ceiling, like a normal person has lolol.

Any ideas to those who are more familiar with lighting and electricity?

esmy

I have a battery powered motion sensor light outside at the front door so I can see to unlock it. It's small but gives a good light. My brother has one indoors at the top of the stairs so they don't have to find light switches if they get up at night. Might be a temporary solution? Google Mr Beams - sorry about the long link!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003BZSV20/ref=asc_df_B003BZSV2055103270/?!!!!!googshopuk-21&creative=22110&creativeASIN=B003BZSV20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=256133426109&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3676754945722546307&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9046700&hvtargid=pla-376425925082&th=1&psc=1

macman

Replace the existing switch with one that operates on a PIR or movement sensor? Fit a conventional two way switch near to the lounge door/front door? The wiring can be run in low profile trunking on the surface: easily removable should you vacate the property.
Sounds like you need to get the OT's in to give the house an audit to see if any adaptations can be made to assist your mobility.

coffeehound

Not sure from your description whether this would work, but if the light switch is able to 'see' you approaching, this sort of thing fitted in place of that light switch might work

https://www.ebay.co.uk/331723923947

coffeehound

try again

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ON-OFF-PIR-MOTION-SENSOR-WALL-LIGHT-SWITCH-1-GANG-1-WAY-10A-MOVEMENT-AUTOMATIC/331723923947?hash=item4d3c4961eb:g:03kAAOSwSdZWcqN5

[Deleted User]

Already had OT in. Thank you for the comment. If any support services worked as they should, I'd have suggested giving it a try myself. I'm afraid Housing seem to have countless reasons to refuse to do what an innocent (not housing experienced) person thinks they would do. OT funds are very very limited. I am waiting til up to 2020 for a new partly adapted kitchen to replace one that falls apart a bit further every time I use it (its 40 years old). Just hoping the sink doesn't fall through the spongy worksurface before they have the budget. I am trying to save to do it myself. Even with my limited income I will probably get there before OT does.

I will look at the other suggestions. Not sure a PIR sensor will pick me up from 2.6 m away?

Nick_C

Do you have spare electrical sockets in the hallway? If so, I would recommend a motion sensitive plug in night light. I have a couple of these in my double garage and they are briliant.

https://www.auraglow.co.uk/plug-in-motion-sensor-led-night-light-387.html



I also considered replacing the light switch with a motion sensitive switch, but was put off by this:- "A live and neutral feed is required for the PIR sensor."

Alternatively, use a motion sensitive LED bulb in your existing pendant fitting :-

https://www.auraglow.co.uk/auraglow-12w-pir-motion-activated-sensor-led-light-bulb-75w-eqv.html

[Deleted User]

lol Thank you for the non complicated suggestion (motion sensitive bulb). I was going straight for the expensive options but you are quite right. This could well sort the problem. Passed me by completely lol.

Pdbaggett

Hi, buy an amazon Alexa (can get a refurbished from Amazon for £29.99) and then get a yee light

https://www.amazon.co.uk/OLLIVAN-Original-Yeelight-Dimmable-Control/dp/B01HZDD8DK/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1535270982&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=Yeelight&dpPl=1&dpID=51UsOraeFuL&ref=plSrch

Or they are a bit cheaper on eBay if that's your thing.

You will also need a e27 to b22 ( less than £2)

You can then turn the light on and off with voice recognition or use the smart phone app to turn on and off, change colours, set timers etc etc.

Norman_Castle

I'd quite like a second bulb near the front door as well. I could go for a movement sensor plug in light bulb but I'd kindof like something in the ceiling, like a normal person has lolol.

DIY version of one of these could be an option and cheap to do. Could also work with a pir bulb or a switch on the wire.


https://www.google.com/search?q=plug+in+pendant+light&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj-48SNoordAhUsJMAKHcLUDBwQ_AUICygC&biw=1280&bih=681