Lighting question

[AndersonC]

I'm part way thro' installing lights in the loft.

The back box for the switch (a basic 'single') has no earth connection. Is this a problem (it is a plastic box btw!)? What do I do with the earth on the end of the switch cable which goes to the ceiling rose?

Secondly, it was suggested here that I supply the new lights by connecting to an upstairs ceiling rose. I've checked all four u/s roses from the loft and they all have 3 cables connected to them. The last light on the circuit is likely to be the bathroom which difficult to access and has a triple pole fan switch connected in which might complicate matters.

Does it matter which rose I connect to for the loft lighting supply? I'm assuming I just need to pick up the common live, the neutral and the earth. I guess one factor is fitting another lead into the tight gaps.

Any advice appreciated.

 

[Steve]

You could cut the live wire and fit a junction box in and take the new lights from there.

and the earth wire - just fit a bit of terminal block to the end. Do earth the other end, regardless of the fact this end isn't connected to anything.

 

[didthathurt]

No, it doesn't matter to which rose you connect your supply cable. Strip the outer cable insulation back so that it does not protrude through the ceiling and then connect your new wires into the rose. Yes it can be a tight fit but is normally do-able without too much trouble.

Take that cable to your loft light fitting and connect as any light. The pattress box you have will not have an earth connector on it as you can't get a shock from it were it to have a loose live touching it. The earth from the switching cable should be neatly coiled up and taped to keep it clear of all other wires and neatly placed in the pattress behind the switch.

 

[AndersonC]

Thanks a lot for the tips, all being well I'll be up and running this evening

 

[ricicle]

You could cut the live wire .