Which is the switch wire ?

[lauriedthompson]

I have three 3-core wires hanging from the bathroom ceiling and need to know which one is the switch wire to fit a new ceiling rose, but there doesn't seem to be any visible differences in the wiring. Can someone please suggest the easiest way of finding out. Thanks

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Turn off the supply to that circuit.

Use your multimeter on low-resistance or continuity test setting across each pair of L/N, operating the switch, until you find which one is conected to the switch.

 

[lauriedthompson]

Thank's for the reply. Now need to get my hand on a multimeter !

 

[ban-all-sheds]

An essential tool - you should not embark on electrical work without one, any more than you would expect to use the point of a knife because you didn't own a screwdriver....

 

[plugwash]

i've wired a plug with a table knife before on numerous occasions

 

[keyplayer]

i've wired a plug with a table knife before on numerous occasions

Ditto!

 

[HDRW]

i've wired a plug with a table knife before on numerous occasions

What's wrong with using a chisel?

Cheers,

Howard

 

[ban-all-sheds]

FGS - do you know nothing?

Chisels are for opening tins of paint!

 

[mapj1]

Remember to make a second hole with the chisel to let the air, in as you pour the paint out of the first hole, otherwise it "bloops" with the partial vacuum. Best if both holes on same end of can, not one in top, and one in bottom diagonally opposite... (memories of a tin of condensed milk, and a terrible childhood mis-understanding.)

But if you want to re-seal the tin of paint, i find prying up the lid to be more efficacious, as it can be replaced, with some paint still in the can, and it stays fresh...