Extra wire in ceiling pendant

[filthyrich]

Hi all.
Just wondering if someone can please help identify what's going on here in this pendant? There's the expected switch wire and two circuit wires but there's also an additional red wire connected to the 'line' terminal. This comes from a twin and earth cable but only the red wire is being used (the black and earth are cut off).

It's in a room where there's a single switch operating two light fittings. The other light fitting was a fitting with three bulbs and had had chocbloc connectors. I've replaced it with a pendant but can't work out the correct wiring for it.

Any clues would be greatly appreciated. Especially...what is that single red wire in the first picture for?

Thanks!

 

[deadshort]

Hi, that's the switch wire, your second light appears to loop off ( not a clear picture)
Don't mix up the switch wire and the other reds.

DS

 

[filthyrich]

Hi Deadshort. Thanks.
It might not be clear from my picture but there's a black wire in the same terminal as the red wire. I thought the black wire was the switch wire. The red wire comes from a twin and earth cable where neither the black or earth wires are utilised (they are snipped off).

 

[deadshort]

If you disconnect the black wire (and make safe), the second light will not work or both lights will not work, if the latter you are correct which would mean the single red is the loop to the second light.

DS

 

[filthyrich]

Thanks Deadshort. This is what's confusing as at the second light, there is no single red wire.

 

[deadshort]

If the room was two rooms at one point in time, it's possible that there is a hidden join box, judging by you're wiring , green earth sleeving,the installation is of a 'vintage' that that's possible.

Regards,

DS

 

[filthyrich]

Thanks again DS.
Using a multimeter, do you know what the best way is I can identify which is the switched live in the other light fitting?
Thanks

 

[deadshort]

Hi, check for voltage across L and E with the light switched on. It should be 230v, E and N will be 0v.

DS

 

[filthyrich]

Cheers for your input. I sorted it by using a continuity checker to work out which wire was coming from where, to the second rose. All working now. Cheers.

 

[deadshort]

Just to be clear …… if the wire has a function, it's not extra

DS

 

[filthyrich]

Indeed!