Live Wire!

[AnonymousImport]

I am trying to replace a cable from a picture light as it is too short. I don't want to extend the cable, just to replace it. The problem is, only the live wire is connected to the socket, yet it still works! How is this possible?

 

[AnonymousImport]

Need more details - do you mean that the light is plugged into a 13A socket?

 

[AnonymousImport]

The live is connected to the back of a double, two way switch, along with three other red wires. The neutral and the unsheathed earth wire are cut off but the ends are visible.

 

[AnonymousImport]

The nuetral and earth are probably looped directly to the light from another light fitting, or maybe the ceiling rose. They are not always connected at the switch.

 

[AnonymousImport]

Thanks. I've found the other wires in a socket on the other side of the wall.

 

[AnonymousImport]

Doesn't sound great - normally lighting and sockets are on seperate circuits wired back to the comsumer unit. The lighting circuit should be on a 6A MCB whereas the sockets would probably be on 16 or 20A MCBs