Fitting a new light

[Greenlight]

Hi

I want to replace a ceiling light....I undid the ceiling rose and have three mains.

I'm guessing one is 'in', one goes to the light fitting and one continues the loop. I'm not certain how to connect....can anybody help!!

I have uploaded some photos to give you some idea!!

Thanks from a novice!! View media item 13793 View media item 13794 View media item 13795

 

[ban-all-sheds]

//www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:lighting




PS - I hope you made a note of which conductor was in which terninal of the rose, or that if you didn't you have and know how to use a multimeter...

 

[Greenlight]

Unfortunately not....is there an easy way to id which is the switch cable? I thought it was meant to have a little marker on it?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

is there an easy way to id which is the switch cable?

Yes - with a multimeter.

I thought it was meant to have a little marker on it?

Yes - strictly speaking the black core in the switch cable should be sleeved red.

But none of yours are....

Indeed.

 

[miketh]

Unfortunately not....is there an easy way to id which is the switch cable? I thought it was meant to have a little marker on it?

[
You will definitely need a multimeter. Make sure all wires are clear of each other, and switch power on. With the meter set to a/c volts you should be able to identify the incoming live and neutral. Switch power off. Set Meter to ohms (resistance) and by switching the wallswitch off and on, you should be able to identify the switch cable. Connect all "reds" together .Connect all "blacks" together BAR the "black" of the switch cable.This "black"goes to one side of the lamp, the other side of the lamp is connected to the "blacks"(neutrals) you previously connected together.

 

[oharaf]

Is it me or is there only one earth in those pictures???

If so, then you cannot hang that light fitting!!!!

 

[Taylortwocities]

Well spotted!
I'll bet that the one with the sleeved cpc is the switch wire.

Just hope that the earth is cut back on the other two cables.

If not, Greenlight will need a double insulated fitting, or put back the pendant he's just taken down..

 

[oharaf]

Cheers Taylor, I try to be helpful

If they're not cut back I can fit him him for new lighting circuits backend of September!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Busy busy thank the Lord!!!!

Wiltshire, mmmmm, do they have proper beer down there!?!?!?!!?

 

[dannyboi2003]

Is it me or is there only one earth in those pictures???

If so, then you cannot hang that light fitting!!!!

Yes I'm afraid its you If you look closely at the second pic you'll see that all three earths are sleeved together

 

[Taylortwocities]

If you look closely at the second pic you'll see that all three earths are sleeved together

You do have to look VERY closely. And, after all, there is only one cpc conductor appearing out of the earth sleeving. There should be three.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Wiltshire, mmmmm, do they have proper beer down there!?!?!?!!?

Yes, but you wouldn't like it.

 

[Click-Sure]

Bad advise, that counts as working live in my book, a prohibited activity.

Set your multimeter to continuity, connect a black/red pair to the meter and turn the lightswitch on and off, see if continuity makes and breaks as a result, if it does thats your switch drop!

You will definitely need a multimeter. Make sure all wires are clear of each other, and switch power on. With the meter set to a/c volts you should be able to identify the incoming live and neutral. Switch power off. Set Meter to ohms (resistance) and by switching the wallswitch off and on, you should be able to identify the switch cable. Connect all "reds" together .Connect all "blacks" together BAR the "black" of the switch cable.This "black"goes to one side of the lamp, the other side of the lamp is connected to the "blacks"(neutrals) you previously connected together.

 

[LiamPope]

You will definitely need a multimeter. Make sure all wires are clear of each other, and switch power on. With the meter set to a/c volts you should be able to identify the incoming live and neutral. Switch power off. Set Meter to ohms (resistance) and by switching the wallswitch off and on, you should be able to identify the switch cable. Connect all "reds" together .Connect all "blacks" together BAR the "black" of the switch cable.This "black"goes to one side of the lamp, the other side of the lamp is connected to the "blacks"(neutrals) you previously connected together.

FFS do you really think it's responsible to recommend an obvious total beginner to undertake some totally unnecessary live testing!!?? Once the switch drop has been safely identified with dead continuity testing, why exactly must you identify which of the remaining cables is 'in' and which is 'out' anyway??

Liam

 

[regsmyth]

Is it me or is there only one earth in those pictures???

If so, then you cannot hang that light fitting!!!!

Why? I'm sure you're right, I just don't understand. I mean, if there was an earth running from the cu earth to that rose, wouldn't it be safe?