two t&E cables running into light switches.

[keenbutconfused]

Finding problems in my bathroom has led me to start investigating the electrics in the rest of my house.

Each light switch has two cables running into it. Each cable is t&e.

There are earth cables this time (phew!) and they are both connected to the metal case and are linked together. However, the red wire from each cable goes to each side of the switch and the black neutrals are both taped up with insulating tape but not connected to anything.



This does work and I am assuming that the other ends of the black neutral wires are also taped up and unconnected somewhere near the junction box.

This I am sure is not a standard practice now but was it common a long time ago. Anybody else ever come across it?

 

[plugwash]

not come accross that particular one no but its not especailly dangerous (taping up isn't really an idea way to make off unused cores but its not a huge sin)

and look on the bright side you have spare cable if you wan't to add anything

are all the switches like this or is it just one or two?

 

[keenbutconfused]

Well two switches definitely are. I was considering putting the unused black wires into what I think are called choc blocks and then taping them up. Does that sound a bit safer?

Obviously I can only assume that they are not connected to anything in the junction box as I don't have access to it.

Any ideas as to why somebody might have done it like this.

 

[nstreet]

Possibly a 2 gang switch been replaced with single gang and second light fitting no longer used

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Somebody ignorant did the wiring, and thought he couldn't use the black cores for switched live?

Choc-block a good idea, but a two-terminal one - don't join the blacks together just in case there is anything odd going on at the JB. Unlikely I know, but why take the chance?

Look on the bright side - if you did want to change things, and needed 2-gang switches, the cables are already there!

 

[securespark]

KBC.

With all this knowledge under your belt, I expect to see your name change gradually over the next few weeks from


to


to


to

 

[keenbutconfused]

Securespark

Actually with hindsight should have chosen the name

keenbutconfusedandveryverypanicky

Feeling a lot less panicky thnkas to this board so thanks to all. I'm now developing a real interest in all of this. Not sure ready for a name change just yet though.

Ban-all-sheds

Seems most likely explanation. Is there a way of checking whether the blacks are connected to anything at the other end? [/quote]

 

[comms]

Just an idea but could the lighting circuit go to a single jb, then the phase earth & neutral taken to each switch individually, with the second cable from the switch being the return to luminaire, thus making each switch back box a seperate jb & cutting down on terminations in the first single jb.

 

[securespark]

But the black conductors are not connected.....

 

[andy]

ignore this post

 

[keenbutconfused]

Sorry to have to ask for clarification here but I am pretty pedantic when it comes to electricity. Is Comms suggestion definitely wrong. As you know there are some pretty wierd things in my flat.

Andrew2022

Can you clarify that you mean ignore Comms post.

Thanks for your help.

 

[andy]

Sorry to have to ask for clarification here but I am pretty pedantic when it comes to electricity. Is Comms suggestion definitely wrong. As you know there are some pretty wierd things in my flat.

Andrew2022

Can you clarify that you mean ignore Comms post.

Thanks for your help.

i meant ignore the post. didnt mean to post it

as for comms suggestion, if the blacks are connected then what he says will most likely be right. im also thinking this from your bathroom wiring. however, you say the blacks are not connected

 

[comms]

Your right securespark
I only read the "blacks are taped up with insulating tape" & assumed (wrongly) they were connected together, that'll teach me not to read the post properly.