Dead ceiling rose and wall switch...

[broomgrove]

Hi all - this is my first post so please be gentle with me!

Ok, just bought a house that really could do with a complete re-wire but too costly at the moment. Everything works apart from the light in the box room.

First off, the bulb is OK. I have tested for voltage and continuity on both the switch and rose and get nothing on all tests. I have tested the switch and rose on another feed and they work fine.

What puzzles me on comparing the wiring layout my rose has to those found online is that I have only one red and one black wire (yes the wiring is OLD) and the switch has the same. Does that sound right? I am by no means an expert but it looks like a live feed is missing. If it is right then how the hell is it configured. I am unsure at the moment as to the existence of a junction box in the loft as I need to lift some loft boards to find out.

So does this layout seem reasonable?

Thanks,
Neil.

 

[AndyPRK]

yes you could be right, that its impossible to ever have worked.

or as you say there could be a junction box in the loft to join the supply, switch and light wires which would make it work.

An inspection in the loft is required

 

[Aragorn84]

Not uncommon to only have one cable to each fitting.

There may be either a small junction box above the ceiling for that one light fitting, or as is the case with our place, all the cabling comes back to a massive "spider" box where all the connections are made in one place.

 

[broomgrove]

Thanks to the two people who have replied so quickly. After thinking about this more - a junction box does seem likely and yes, this layout would suggest that. OK, did not want to do it but up come the boards

Thanks so far,
Neil.

 

[AndyPRK]

well have a look at some of the other roses on that floor.

Do they only have 1 cable ?

 

[broomgrove]

well have a look at some of the other roses on that floor.

Do they only have 1 cable ?

Good point - will have a look when I get home from work.
Neil.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

I have tested for voltage and continuity on both the switch and rose and get nothing on all tests.

With what? Did you prove these instruments were working prior and after use?

What puzzles me on comparing the wiring layout my rose has to those found online is that I have only one red and one black wire (yes the wiring is OLD) and the switch has the same. Does that sound right?

It is possible there are number of ways to configure a lighting circuit and it is likely you have junction boxes located on the circuit or it could be run in singles but I would expect two reds at the switch but doesn't mean that a black core could not be used but ideally this should be indicated as line conductor.

I am by no means an expert but it looks like a live feed is missing.

It could be loose or broken, but may have never worked or wired correctly

If it is right then how the hell is it configured.

As above there are a number of ways, without being able to see it and investigated what you have, it would be impossible to tell you.

I am unsure at the moment as to the existence of a junction box in the loft as I need to lift some loft boards to find out.

That would be one form of investigation to take.

So does this layout seem reasonable?

As I don't know the layout you have it would be difficult to say, it obviously doesn't work for some reason, so investigation is required.