Switch cable-which is live?

[Biggles484]

Help!!! Just bought house, trying to fit light into bathroom. There are two strands of red/brown/earth coming from the ceiling where a light used to exist, however, the "switch" cable is not marked up. Does anyone have a tip on how to find which one of the 2 black/red ones is the switch one, without me blowing too many fuses?

 

[Adam_151]

Power off, continuity setting (or low ohms) range on your multimeter, and an assistant opperating the switch

 

[the_jinj]

....or power on, lick fingers, assistant operating switch

 

[Biggles484]

Thanks for the tips, must find a multimeter. Neil, I think that this time I'll wait until I'm your assistant flicking the switch before following that advice!!

 

[norwich9]

you can use a electrical screwdriver tester it cheaper than a multimeter

 

[the_jinj]

Can get a semi decent multimeter for 5 or 6 quid - infintely more useful....

 

[Biggles484]

Thanks to all. Had tried leckie screwdriver but it didn't work. I went back to basics and carefully traced the cables through touch. Felt a bit like a Gynecologist!! but was lucky, system works. Switch cable now clearly marked.

 

[Steve]

Felt a bit like a Gynecologist!!

go on . . . i'm dying to know . . . what does a gynaecologist feel like?

 

[RF Lighting]

Does he feel like a c..................



On second thoughts maybe not eh?