Hello all. When trying to get to the bottom of why the 2 ceiling lights are not working, we detached the light switch and expected to see 2 live wires, instead we saw 3. The wiring seems crazy and does not make logical sense. One of us has a good degree of knowledge of electrics but know our limitations (i.e. when to the job over to a qualified electrician) but we have not seen this before. It’s an old Victorian house (re-wired completely in the early 80’s). At present the room has two pendant ceiling lights, a pull switch hanging from the ceiling and a double light switch on the wall. Could anyone advise what we could be seeing here?
Light switch with 3 live wires? Help needed please!
- Thread starter Mumrah
- Start date
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Not a good description, picture would be handy.
Was there a small wire link at the switch as well?
Was there a small wire link at the switch as well?
The switch on the right is 2 way, so probably works in conjunction with the pull switch you mentioned.
The switch on the left is 1 way, so no other switches involved there.
The wiring at the switch shown looks relatively normal.
The black wire is a live wire as well.
The switch on the left is 1 way, so no other switches involved there.
The wiring at the switch shown looks relatively normal.
The black wire is a live wire as well.
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You need to test for power at the switch, if you know how to do this.
A photo of the wiring at the lights and pull switch may prove useful, as you may have to test here for power too, as there MAY be a broken wire somewhere.
Another thing to check is if the circuit breaker or fuse is on.
Don't not disconnect ANYTHING unless you have confirmed the power is OFF.
If in doubt, don't do anything, and send for a qualified electrician.
A photo of the wiring at the lights and pull switch may prove useful, as you may have to test here for power too, as there MAY be a broken wire somewhere.
Another thing to check is if the circuit breaker or fuse is on.
Don't not disconnect ANYTHING unless you have confirmed the power is OFF.
If in doubt, don't do anything, and send for a qualified electrician.
Test for 230v AC between the live wire where the link is to the earth terminal.
You should get around 230v.
Can you do this?
You should get around 230v.
Can you do this?
Thank you so much for your swift response and help. Very welcoming to a vague newbie so thanks. You’ve given us enough info to move forward and hopefully after a few more tests we can solve the problem or refer to a qualified electrician. All the best.
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