Fixington

Install an additional light switch

Trade: Electrician

⭐ Introduction

Installing an additional light switch in your home can make daily life more convenient. Perhaps you have a large room where two switches would control the same light for ease of access, or maybe you’re adding a new lighting point and want to control it separately. An extra switch can improve accessibility, safety, and energy efficiency by allowing easier control of lighting.

This simple upgrade is commonly requested in UK homes and can be completed by a qualified electrician to meet all relevant safety regulations and standards.

🔧 What the job involves

Adding an additional light switch means increasing the number of control points for a lighting circuit. This often involves wiring a second switch in a "two-way lighting circuit," where two switches control the same light fitting. Alternatively, the new switch could be for a separate light or group of lights.

The electrician will:

  • Assess the existing wiring and circuit load.
  • Run new cable between the existing switch and the location of the additional switch.
  • Install a compatible switch and ensure it matches the existing setup.
  • Test the circuit to confirm the two switches operate the light(s) correctly and safely.
  • Ensure all work complies with UK wiring regulations (BS 7671) and, if applicable, Part P Building Regulations, which require notification or certification for electrical work in dwellings.

In most cases, new wiring will be routed within existing walls or surface mounted depending on your home’s construction and decoration.

📝 Step-by-step from booking to completion

  1. Initial enquiry: Contact a registered electrician or electrical company to discuss your needs and arrange a site visit.

  2. Site survey and quote: The electrician will inspect your existing wiring and the desired switch location, then provide a written estimate and advise on any regulatory requirements.

  3. Booking the job: Agree on a date and confirm the quote, including any limits on disruption or timescales.

  4. Day of installation: The electrician arrives with tools and parts, isolates the relevant circuit at your consumer unit (fuse box), and carries out the installation safely and neatly.

  5. Testing and certification: Once complete, the electrician tests the circuit for safety and functionality. For some work, a Part P compliance certificate may be issued.

  6. Aftercare advice: They will advise you on operating the new switches, any warranty, and what to do if problems arise.

💷 Main costs to expect

  • Labour: Most of the cost, typically £50–£70 per hour for a registered electrician.
  • Materials and parts: Switches (£5–£20 each), cables, back boxes, fixings, and accessories.
  • Disposal: Usually minimal, but some electricians charge a small fee for waste removal.
  • Certification: Part P certification or equivalent safety documentation may be included or chargeable (approx. £20–£40).
  • Extras: If new wiring routes are complex (e.g., chasing walls or lifting floorboards), expect additional labour costs.

Example itemisation:

  • Labour (2 hours): £120
  • Switch & materials: £15
  • Certification: £30
  • Total estimate: £165 (excl. VAT)

📊 What affects the price

  • Accessibility: Easy surface wiring costs less than chasing into walls.
  • Complexity: Adding switches to existing two-way circuits is straightforward; creating new circuits or multiple switches costs more.
  • Regulations: Obtaining Part P certification or notifying building control adds time and expense.
  • Remedial work: Repairing damaged plaster or making good after installation increases costs.
  • Location: Urban centres may have higher labour rates; travel costs may apply for rural areas.
  • Timeline: Urgent or out-of-hours work can attract premium charges.

⏱ How long does it take?

  • Simple additional switch on existing two-way circuit: 1–2 hours.
  • New circuit switch with new wiring: 2–4 hours.
  • More complex installations involving walls/floorboards: Up to a day or longer.
  • Certification and testing: Usually included within installation time.

🏠 Can you DIY it?

Installing or altering light switches requires knowledge of electrical systems and safety regulations. It involves working on live circuits which carry the risk of electric shock or fire if done incorrectly.

UK rules (Part P Building Regulations) mean that installing a new switch often requires a qualified electrician, especially if new wiring is involved. Registered electricians can self-certify their work under Part P, offering peace of mind and compliance.

If you only wish to replace an existing switch with an identical type and you are confident, it may be feasible to DIY—but installing an additional switch with new wiring is best left to professionals.

💰 Typical UK price range

For installing an additional light switch, you can expect to pay roughly £120 to £250 including VAT. This estimate covers straightforward two-way installations and minor wiring. More complex jobs involving extensive rewiring or decoration repairs will cost more.

Always obtain a detailed quote before work begins.

✅ Handy tips before you start

  • Prepare by deciding the ideal location for the additional switch.
  • Clear the area around the switch space to give the electrician easy access.
  • Ask your electrician if your work requires Part P notification and keep any certificates or paperwork for future reference or when selling your home.
  • Confirm if the electrician will tidy up and if any redecorating may be needed post-install.
  • Keep the electrician’s contact details handy in case you need help after installation.
  • Discuss warranties on the work and materials used.
  • Check that your installer is registered with a competent person scheme (e.g., NICEIC, NAPIT).

By planning carefully and using a qualified electrician, adding a light switch can be a straightforward, safe upgrade that improves how you use your home lighting.