HELP ELECTRIC LIGHT FITTING!!

[fin78]

Does anyone know a way of (safely) identifying the 'switch live' balc cable running out of a ceiling light fitting? I have mixed the 3 black wires up!!!

 

[breezer]

put choc blocks on each single black and put a proximity voltage detector near each one in turn operate switch then when tester goes on / off as switch does you have found it

 

[securespark]

But if you do this, the lives have to be connected together.

Here's a voltage free way.

Turn off power.

Separate all conductors

put a meter across the red/black pairs, set to continuity or buzz.

Put switch in on position.

When the meter buzzes, you've got the right pair.

Double check by switching on / off.

Label switchwire!!!!!!

 

[breezer]

you are assuming the poster has a meter, if they did they would know how to use it and should have figured that one out by now.

although you have one, i have several this is after all a diy forum and most diy people do not consider a multi meter as an "average tool"

 

[securespark]

It's that old arguement that I have seen many times b4 breezer!

Posters have said that meters are cheap and freely available and if you're mucking about with wiring, it pays to acquaint yourself with one........I'm of this school of thought.

For around 10 - 15 quid you can get a basic multimeter from a DIY shed and anyone with basic DIY skills should be able to work out via the instructions how to carry out the basic tests.

If they are not confident doing this, then they should leave electrics alone, no?

You can do it without a meter with battery, bulb and bit of bellwire, but I s'pose you're going to tell me that they won't know how to do that, either!

 

[ban-all-sheds]

..Posters have said that meters are cheap and freely available and if you're mucking about with wiring, it pays to acquaint yourself with one........I'm of this school of thought...

 

[breezer]

If they are not confident doing this, then they should leave electrics alone, no?

You can do it without a meter with battery, bulb and bit of bellwire, but I s'pose you're going to tell me that they won't know how to do that, either!

on the contrary i agree entirly with you. right tool for right job, its just that some people do diy and some DIY.

for example do you buy a circular saw because it is the right tool, or becasue you are too lazy to cut by hand?

then do they use all the right personal protective equipment with the saw, see what i am saying?