I am looking at installing a new light and switch. I have 3 power cables going into a junction box in the loft. Am I right in thinking that I can put new cable into junction box then connect to light fitting. Then have cable from light fitting in switch?
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Installing new light and switch
- Thread starter MBK73
- Start date
You will need a switch live to go back from switch to the rose, which will already use that terminal for its own light. So break into the cable and add a new ceiling rose for the new fitting. You have all the neutrals and earths to sort as well.
It all depends on what the junction box is for. Can you trace any of the cables?
A photo of the actual junction box is needed, if you need guidance from us on how to connect in that box.
Also, please take a photo of any terminals before you remove anything. This forum is littered with folk who forgot this essential act!
Also, please take a photo of any terminals before you remove anything. This forum is littered with folk who forgot this essential act!
Yes please.
Turn the power off and make sure by at least checking the lights are dead, remove the junction box lid and take a picture to post here, or a sketch if the wires are too jumbled
That junction could be one of two things:
Permanent Lighting power to light fittings or switches.
Or
Switched lighting to several lights.
For your project you need the permanent power. You’ll need to test if the power goes on and off when lights are switched. Or follow the cables a see where they go!
Permanent Lighting power to light fittings or switches.
Or
Switched lighting to several lights.
For your project you need the permanent power. You’ll need to test if the power goes on and off when lights are switched. Or follow the cables a see where they go!
If this is indeed permanent live, neutral and earth, I‘d run T&E from here to the new switch and another length from the switch to the new light. That has two advantages:
- You have a neutral at the switch, which means you could uograd to a smart switch in the future.
- You only have one cable at the light, which makes fitting some lights a lot easier.
- You have a neutral at the switch, which means you could uograd to a smart switch in the future.
- You only have one cable at the light, which makes fitting some lights a lot easier.
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You can loop in at the light but I prefer the 2 plate method.
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