Turn off the consumer unit and remove the appropriate circuit fuse / miniature circuit breaker first before working on any electrical circuit, once the cable is installed make the connections to the two way switches as shown. Fig 1 and fig 2 show the original switch connected with original (old colours, twin Red and earth) switch-wires and the additional two way switch linked with cable in the new colours, which in the case of three core and earth are Brown, Black, Grey and an earth-wire which should be covered with Green and Yellow sleeving, this is because electrical cable is only available to purchase in the new colours. Whenever an electrical installation uses both colours of cable, a self adhesive warning label should be stuck to the front of the consumer unit, the label normally reads :-    CAUTION     This installation has wiring colours to two versions of BS7671   Great care should be taken before undertaking extension, alteration or repair that all conductors are correctly identified. These labels can be obtained from most electrical wholesalers for a few pounds as a cash sale.

Replace the original one way switch for a two way switch, connect the wires as shown ensuring you tighten up the terminal screws fully. Make sure to connect the earth wires even if the switches are plastic, so there is an earth present throughout the length of the new cable, this also ensures there is an earth to connect to should the switches be changed for steel or brass in the future.

fig 1

fig 2

The diagrams in fig 3 and fig 4 are the same as fig 1 and fig 2 with the exception of the one way switch, which is shown connected using twin Brown switch-wires and earth (new colours).

fig 3

fig 4

Fitting a new kitchen isn’t a ‘two minute job’ and requires a lot of tools :-

Battery drill / driver plus wood and masonry drill bits, electricians screwdrivers, power / pipe detector, claw / lump hammers, bolster chisel, spirit level, pliers, side cutters, pump pliers, saw, Jigsaw, tape measure, sealant gun, square, marker pens.

Don’t forget safety equipment such as goggles, face mask and gloves. If you are using 240volt power tools use an RCD protection device.

Always remember Safety comes First, check before starting work where the services are in the kitchen, use a power / pipe detector to check for hidden live cables and water / gas pipes before removing the old kitchen units, drilling holes or chasing out walls.

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