Loft light switch wired to plug

[Gorners]

Went in the loft the other day and just thought I'd check how the light switch was wired by the previous owners. There are two surface mounted boxes butted up next to each other, one is a single plug socket (never used it), and the other the single switch in question.

I was intrigued to find no visible wires going into the switch from any side nor underneath, only one going to the light itself. I managed to shine a torch down the tiny gap between both boxes and I can see two red wires going from the plug into the switch.

Now I know this is obviously not right, but how dangerous is this? I haven't opened the light switch to see if there is any fuse protection in there, I suspect not. The plug socket has 3 cables going into it, I am assuming it is connected to the upstairs socket ring but I've not yet checked this either.

 

[stem]

If it is connected to a power circuit, the easiest way to rectify it is to swap the unfused switch for an FCU

Untitled

• stem
• 23 May 2012
• 1

On the other hand it could be that both are connected to a circuit designed for lighting, so the socket would then be wrong.

So you need to investigate further

 

[securespark]

There lies the confusion of the word "plug". I read it as the socket and light fitting wired off it were fed via (a lead and) plug that would be plugged in on the landing when needed.

 

[winston1]

Indeed using correct terms is important, no plugtops, no digital aerials, no MR16 when one means GU5.3, no transformers when one means power supply.

 

[stillp]

It's just as likely that the socket-outlet is wired to the lighting circuit, and is intended for low-current load such as an aerial amplifier.

 

[securespark]

There's that odd noise again.

It's just as likely that the socket-outlet is wired to the lighting circuit, and is intended for low-current load such as an aerial amplifier.

As long as it is not a digital aerial...

 

[JohnD]

rectify

 

[endecotp]

I can see two red wires going from the [socket] into the switch.

Any earth wire?

 

[Gorners]

Thanks for the replies all. Apologies for mixing up terminlogy. It is indeed a socket that is feeding a switch. No plug involved unless I plugged one into the socket

Appreciate there's some investigation still required here so will do that and report back. No sign of an earth wire but view is restricted so taking off the cover will confirm. I'll try and get a picture for you.

 

[Taylortwocities]

There's that odd noise again.

I wondered what it was. But it didn't disturb me as much as it used to.
I wonder why…

 

[Gorners]

Ok finally got some pictures of this, see attached. The wire to the left coming out of the socket goes to the light. I've also checked and it is connected to the upstairs lighting circuit, not ring main.

So my questions are:

1) is the light switch safe?
2) is the socket safe to use? Not planning on using it but as it's on the lighting circuit what are he restrictions.

 

[winston1]

Ok finally got some pictures of this, see attached. The wire to the left coming out of the socket goes to the light. I've also checked and it is connected to the upstairs lighting circuit, not ring main.

So my questions are:

1) is the light switch safe?
2) is the plug safe to use? Not planning on using it but as it's on the lighting circuit what are he restrictions.[/QUOTE

Once again you are using wrong terminology. It is a socket.

Don't plug a kettle into it. Or a fan heater.

The light switch is OK but the socket is best rewired on to a power circuit

 

[endecotp]

The socket is safe except that if you plug in something that takes too much current it will trip the MCB and you'll be stuck in the loft in the dark.
The wiring seems OK to me; it looks as if the earths are connected. No doubt someone will spot something that could be done better!