How to move light switch to the other end of the door frame?

pieroabcd

Hi,
I have 2 bedrooms where the light switch is behind the door, really hideous. The doors open on the right and the switch is on the right too.
I can live with that at the 1xt floor, nut in the tight space of the loft conversion it's a major annoyance.
In both bedrooms there are downlights in the ceiling, so there's definitely some cable already.

What's the best way to move the switch  to the other end of the door frame (still inside the bedroom), especially in the loft?
I wouldn't know how to cut a whole in the ceiling and a trace in the wall to chase and move the cable. On the surface there's definitely plasterboard (it sounds hollow) but what is behind it is a mystery to me and I'm afraid to make a big mess in a seemingly delicate structure.

Thanks

ThisIsWeird

Assuming rehanging the doors is not on?

pieroabcd

Definitely no. The loft one would open on the slant part 

rach_k

We have this in the living room.  When I asked our usual electrician about it, he said it was more work than it was worth and suggested using some kind of smart bulb instead.  You can either go with one of the proper smart options where the bulbs connect to wifi, can be controlled via voice, phone etc, or you can get very cheap bulbs that just work with their own remote and then put that remote wherever you want it e.g. on the other side of the door.

My daughter has this colourful monstrosity in her bedroom - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B06XYFZ4J5/ but I'm sure you could get something a bit classier!  She just has to leave the normal light switch on, then the remote will turn the bulb off/on as needed.  

flashg67

I managed this once by extending the same cable from the current switch to a new switch where I needed it, and just put a socket blank over the old switch. Ideally you'd chase this into the wall but could be achieved by running it in conduit (which looks ugly imho). I like the smart bulb idea above though - I have several and they work well

Risteard

flashg67 said:

I managed this once by extending the same cable from the current switch to a new switch where I needed it, and just put a socket blank over the old switch. Ideally you'd chase this into the wall but could be achieved by running it in conduit (which looks ugly imho). I like the smart bulb idea above though - I have several and they work well

You'll need a Type A RCD protecting the circuit if you don't already have one too..

ThisIsWeird

Rach's idea above had me googling. This is just the first return, so there will be other options, no doubt; https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wireless-Required-Operating-Lighting-Anywhere/dp/B07GPK3CT9/ref=asc_df_B07GPK3CT9/?

Switch just sticks to wall in desired position. Doesn't even need batteries! Blimey.
The receiver is more tricky, of course, but there are two options. Well, three.
1) If your existing light switch has a neutral in it - some will, some won't - then there's a good chance you could install it in the current switch's back box, easily wire it, and fit a blanking cover on top. It may need a deeper BB, tho', but possibly not - it's pretty compact.
2) If you can gain access to above the light fitting - this should be perfectly doable for the loft room at least, I'd have thought - then you can fit it there out of sight. The old light switch can remain, left perm on, or be removed and bypassed and blanking plated as before.
3) It can be installed inside a suitable 'rose', the light holder part on the ceiling.

There may be better versions too.

ComicGeek

You can replace the existing light switch with a Quinetic wireless receiver unit, and then just stick a Quinetic wireless switch on the other side of the door. Essentially making it into a 2-way circuit without any additional wiring. Only need to know how to wire a light switch, about £70 for parts, 15 mins to do.

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/QURS1W.html

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/QUWS1W.html

pieroabcd

Interesting. They also have a Trailing edge wireless dimmer that would work for me (I have dimmers at the moment).

ComicGeek

pieroabcd said:

Interesting. They also have a Trailing edge wireless dimmer that would work for me (I have dimmers at the moment).

You would need to wire in a dimmable receiver into the lighting circuit to do that. The simple install in my post above would only be non dimmable.

ic

Another option is philips hue bulbs and bridge.  Install bulb in the fitting, and then a wireless remote where you want it.  There's plenty of manufacturers offering similar, philips are the leaders however.  Would save on redecorating.