wall lighting issue

[mason]

i've moved into a new property. i want to replace a wall lamp but not sure how to do the wiring. i have 4 wall lamps in the same area which don't work. behind the lamp i want to replace i have 4 cables, 2 of which are earthed. i have no idea where the cables go. i'm asuming they lead to the other lamps. if i try and explain how the wires are currently wired i might confuse you, so if you explain wot to do from scratch i'd appreciate it.

thanx

 

[felix]

Unfortunately, we can't even begin to explain what to do from scratch without knowing what wires you've got in there. Essential information would include a list of terminals on the back of the lamp, what coloured wires are in each one and where those wires go.

To avoid confusion you should use the word CABLE to refer to a group of WIRES (aka CORES) inside an outer sheath. Example - flat twin and earth cable has three wires in it of which one, the earth wire, is bare copper.

 

[mapj1]

Can you take a picture ?
Without knowing where the wires go, guessing could be a bit hazardous !
Usually live is red, neutral is black, or if a wire goes to a remote switch then red takes live to the switch, and black brings live to the lamp when the switch is on. BUT if the switch is on the wall light itself, then the cable will be live all the time.
So, you must work out which fuse or circuit breaker makes it live/dead, and which wire is the supply coming ot the lights, and which is the daisy chain to the next light.
Also do you mean cable (bundle of wires, usually red and black twin plus earth), or wire (one conductor in a single colour insuation) - you description is a bit wooly.
awaiting more details.
M.