General Forum

Re: LC2 confusion

Craig — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 11:12:11 GMT

It would not work as you still need a Neutral feed. The internal electronics of the LC2 require both Live & Neutral to work. As far as I know the only way you could replace a standard light switch with an LC2 would be to have the wiring from the light fitting to the switch replaced so that you have both Live and Neutral. Not an easy job unless you are in the process of having your house rewired.

Craig

Re: LC2 confusion

splud — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 20:17:01 GMT

Hi, I have a similar query;

What if you connect the standard light switch as normal, but have it permanently switched on and hide it in the cavity and then attach the LC2 where the switch was, so it will appear to be in line with power on both sides? Would this work?? Or do you still need a neutral feed?

Cheers TC

Re: LC2 confusion

Quim43 — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:38:15 GMT

Nice one Andy!!

Here is mine. Is not an LC2 (this is from Innovus), but the connections are the same.

Re: LC2 confusion

Jandyt — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:30:25 GMT

Graham1982:

so it would look nice as opposed to dangling in the middle.

I think dangling in the middle looks nice!
Here's mine.

Re: LC2 confusion

Craig — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:07:46 GMT

Graham, I have just sent you a PM. In answer to you last post 355F is correct in you CANNOT replace the switch. It will be easy to put it back to how it was when you move out. We were in rented property at our last address where it was used.

Craig

Re: LC2 confusion

Graham1982 — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:07:42 GMT

Oh:

I get it now - nothing to do with the wall socket - I need to cut the cable that the light is hanging from and put the switch in between the ceiling and the bulb. This is easier I guess but I was hoping it would be on the wall so it would look nice as opposed to dangling in the middle.

Have I got the right idea now?

Thanks

Graham

Re: LC2 confusion

355f — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:04:26 GMT

Graham1982:

Hi:
Sorry for the stupid questions. However, as I live in rented accommodation I was hoping it was going to be as simple as switching the mains off, taking off the old light switch, sticking it in the drawer and then wiring up the LC2. When I have moved ouut, replace old light switch. However, as you mention cutting the cable, will I be able to replace the switch and pretend that it was never changed or would I have to get the electrician in to lay another cable. LOL.

You CANNOT replace the switch as you WONT have a neutral feed- so FORGET the idea of doing that for good.

IF you want to use the LC2 to control one ceiling light or table lights just CUT the cable and insert the LC2 between said items.

if you want to get the electrician in to dig out the wall, lift the floorboards ect to insert a neutral feed then faor enough but you will have abig bill!

Re: LC2 confusion

Graham1982 — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:01:35 GMT

Hi:

Sorry for the stupid questions. However, as I live in rented accommodation I was hoping it was going to be as simple as switching the mains off, taking off the old light switch, sticking it in the drawer and then wiring up the LC2. When I have moved ouut, replace old light switch. However, as you mention cutting the cable, will I be able to replace the switch and pretend that it was never changed or would I have to get the electrician in to lay another cable. LOL.

Re: LC2 confusion

Craig — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:58:24 GMT

Good, then you will have no problem using an LC2. All you will need to do is cut the wire in half and wire in the LC2 as per the instructions.

Craig

Re: LC2 confusion

355f — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:57:29 GMT

Graham1982:

Hi:

Pendant being the switch on a desk lamp or something?
Does this mean it is impossible in UK homes or it means the whole house would have to be rewired?
Is it possible at all?

Thanks
Graham

As has been indicated you need a live and a neutral to make it work. The total loading of the unit is not that high so its use is maninly geared to splitting the wire in a table lamp or the cable drop from a central light fitting.

What most people do is to use the LC2 to control table lights and not attempt to replace the main light switch- in any event the LC2 is abit bulky for that!

Re: LC2 confusion

Graham1982 — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:55:49 GMT

Yeah there is a wire hanging from the ceiling, then a white holder and the bulb. So will I just wire it up in the standard way as per the instructions?

Thanks

Graham

Re: LC2 confusion

Craig — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:51:35 GMT

What does you light fitting look like? If it is a drop Pendant, where you have a length of cable from the ceiling then a bulb holder. You will have no problem in using an LC2. If it is a complete light fitting where the is no visible cable. Then you cannot use an LC2.

Craig

Re: LC2 confusion

Graham1982 — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:48:48 GMT

Hi:

Pendant being the switch on a desk lamp or something?

Does this mean it is impossible in UK homes or it means the whole house would have to be rewired?

Is it possible at all?

Thanks

Graham

Re: LC2 confusion

Craig — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:44:43 GMT

Graham, an LC2 will NOT replace a standard light switch. Not in the U.K. anyway. This is because the LC2 needs both a Neutral and Live feed to work. You will not have a Neutral supply behind a standard light switch, nor a dimmer switch for that matter. Even if you can see Black and Red wire behind your switch both wires will be live. One is the feed to the switch and the other a return to the light fitting. LC2's are designed to fit into the wire on your pendant.

Craig

Re: LC2 confusion

355f — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:35:50 GMT

Graham1982:

Thanks:

One other thing - with the LC2 is the light always "on" because as a dimmer switch you just adjust the resistance thus decreasing/increasing the intensity of the light. Therefore do you waste electricity because it is always on stand-by?

Thanks
Graham

I have a the installation booklet from B&O from my old LC2- send me a PM i will mail it to you