Double Light

Can I use a 2 way double light switch when I only need a 1 way one?

I'm replacing all my light switches for new modern ones. At B&Q, the only 2 switch one I could find was 2 way, even though I only need it to be 1 way (it's a living room light, each switch is for a separate light).
Can I use this, or do I need to return it and get a 1 way one?
What's the difference anyway when you're wiring them up?
thanks

Use the switch that you have; switches with more than 1 rocker only come in 2-way setups
Ignore the USA answers.They have a different definition of 1-way and 2-way

Power in on Common, out on L2 will have the switch in the proper position for 'off'.
Basically copy what the existing switch has.

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Bathroom Lighting for a Double Bowl Sink

When you are looking to light a bathroom that has a double bowl sink the big question is where to place the lighting. The three options are either using a separate 2 or 3 light fixture over each sink, opting for a longer 4 or 5 light centered between the two, or using three 1 bulb sconces.

I tend to recommend using a separate 2 or 3 light fixture over each bowl to my customers. It gives the bathroom a more finished look, defining the two sinks. Almost any 2 bulb fixture will do, however if you want to use a 3 bulb fixture make sure the length of the light isn't too long, or combined they will look like one 6 bulb fixture across your vanity. In addition, by centering a fixture over each sink, you are ensuring proper lighting over each bowl. Remember to always max out the wattage of the fixtures ( 1oo watt max in most cases), and put the light fixtures on a dimmer.

If you prefer a 4-6 bulb fixture centered between the two sinks then go for it. Sometimes this makes the most sense when you have a plate glass mirror across the whole vanity. Remember too that if you do not inform the contractor or electrician doing the work that you want two separate light fixtures, they may pull the wires through the wall for between the two sinks be default. My only concern with 1 light fixture centered is the light issue. To the extreme left and right of the sinks there may b a light drop off depending on the length of the vanity. Make sure that you max out the wattage and put the bathroom lighting on a dimmer.

The third option which is not that common but certainly an option is to use three 1 bulb fixtures. My only concern here is that you might not get adequate lighting, however with a ceiling fan/light combo and maxing out the wattage this is a possibility as well.

Remember, you can never have too much light in a bathroom!

About the Author

Mike Michaelson has been in the lighting industry for over 15 years, helping customers in lighting design and decorating

Double Light

Bathroom Light
All in the Family | Historic Mayo Hotel is recalled to life by visionary family. Adopted home, adopted baby Mayo ...
The place could have easily been the set of a horror movie, back in the day. After all, the once great Mayo Hotel had been closed, abandoned and neglected for two decades. No power lit the 18-story building, but the light that did filter through boarded up and broken windows illuminated the graffiti... By Stacy Pettit.

Bathroom Light

Bathroom Lighting

Small Bathroom Lighting

Small bathrooms might be those added under a stairway or in a spare closet. They might be for children, adults, or both. A small bathroom might be a guest powder room off the foyer or living room. One thing they have in common is that they are - small. Another thing they have in common is that they call for special lighting.

Small bathroom lighting is dependent, in part, on the use of the bathroom. One type of bathroom light fixture might convey a warm, cozy feeling for dinner guests. Another type of bathroom light fixture might make the small bathroom seem spacious - or provide light for reading while relaxing in a deep soak tub.

Warm and Cozy Lighting

You can make a small bathroom feel warm and cozy rather than claustrophobic by adding the right light fixtures. Suppose this is a small half-bath meant primarily for guests to "freshen up" before dinner. You've used small-patterned deep red and gold wallpaper for warmth. What kind of light fixtures should this small bathroom have?

Try recessed, can ceiling light fixtures focused on work areas. Or use indirect lighting around the perimeter of the ceiling-wall junction. On either side of the mirror above the sink, add a wall sconce light fixture. Avoid large wall sconces, or those that protrude too far from the wall, as they will make the room look cluttered. Layering these two types of light fixture will give you warm, gracious lighting in a small bathroom for guests.

Bright Enough for Reading

If the small bathroom in your home has a soaking tub, or one used by children, you will want good lighting in the tub area. Most lighting above tubs and showers is diffuse lighting, which is fine for a quick shower or bath. Diffuse lighting is also good over-all lighting to soften the entire bathroom. However, if you want to read - or get paint off of a child - you may want brighter, more concentrated lighting. Use a focused flood or halogen light fixture on the wall above the tub.

Choose safe, moisture proof light fixtures for this area. "Make sure that your lamps are UL rated for damp locations insuring safety," says Todd Phillips, president of lighting manufacturer Quoizel.

Space Enlarging Lighting

You can never have too much light in a small bathroom, as long as you use it properly. Perhaps the best idea for small bathrooms is to begin with indirect lighting around the ceiling for overall softness and warmness. Then consider these possibilities.

1. If your small bathroom has a window, use light-admitting, sheer curtains at the window. Add a shade that can be drawn for privacy.

2. Light shower or tub with separate wet area light fixtures, strong enough to permit easy personal grooming, but with dimmer switches for atmosphere.

3. On either side of the vanity mirror, use warm fluorescent vertical wall sconces to provide even facial illumination. Place a halogen light above the mirror for cross illumination. Place these mirror surrounding light fixtures on a separate switch.

4. Run a linear light fixture along the vanity toe-space to provide a soft night light.

5. For a family use small bathroom, place a halogen or flood light near the toilet, focused as a good reading light. Install a separate switch.

With all of these light fixtures layered in a small bathroom, you will always have exactly the amount of light you need for any given task. Yet you can make it cozy with dimmer switches, safe with night lights.

Helpful Tip

Small bathroom lighting need not be garish or insufficient. You can have plenty of light or cozy lighting if you layer your light, and control it with separate and/or dimmer switches.

About the Author

© 2007, Anna Hart. Anna Hart invites you to read more of her articles about small bathrooms at
http://www.easybathroomremodeling.com
. Anna has posted several articles on that site about large and small bathrooms. If you want to learn more about
small bathroom design
, visit Anna now.

Bathroom Lighting

Are you thinking of ways to spruce up your bathroom? Creative use of bathroom mirrors can be one of the most effective bathroom designs.

Mirrors Reflect Light - This Can Be Used For Design Purposes

Bathroom mirrors have one of the most important roles in the bathroom. Mirrors do not only allow us to see our reflection; they also help to make the bathroom look brighter and more spacious. Mirrors reflect light, both natural and artificial, which can add a certain sparkle or vibrancy to any bathroom. Be sure to arrange your mirrors in such a way that they reflect the major sources of light entering or emanating from your bathroom, i.e. natural light from outside and artificial light from the bathroom light fixtures.

Create The Desired Effect With The Correct Size And Shape

The size and shape of your mirrors are vitally important design aspects that need to be kept in mind when decorating your bathroom.

For example, if you are going for a soft, gentle tone for your bathroom, it is best to use oval mirrors. On the other hand, a square mirror can give your bathroom a more solid look. If you wish to create the illusion of more space in a small bathroom, use large rectangular bathroom mirrors.

Your Mirrors Must Complement Your Overall Bathroom Design

Do not buy your mirrors without ensuring that they match the overall design of your bathroom. The mirror design should obviously not clash with the rest of your bathroom decor.

If a contractor redesigned or redecorated your bathroom, ask his or her advice on which mirrors to buy. He or she will be able to provide you with expert advice regarding the correct, or most appropriate, shape and size of the mirrors that will round off or complete your bathroom design.

On the other hand, if you redesigned your bathroom on your own, it would be best for you to study your design carefully before you buy your bathroom mirrors.

Your Options Are Endless - Try Not To Limit Your Ideas

Do not feel restricted with your ideas. Test different shapes, sizes, and colors before settling on the mirrors that best suit the look and feel of your bathroom. Let your mind wander! The bathroom mirrors that you choose should satisfy your wants and needs, and, most importantly, reflect your personality.