We are removing the old light fitting in the bathroom and replacing it with a new one. The old light fitting has three places to connect the wires but the new fitting only has two places to connect the wires. The one which was connected to the third place is a black wire with a red sleeve. I have four red, four black and four earth wires there are four other rooms which are connected through the bathroom fitting but only one wire which makes the bathroom light work. I have tried every combination of wiring and cant get it to work it switches on and the light comes on but when i switch it off it trips. Can anyone help please - any sparkies out there tonight???
2007-07-01 11:15:19 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
If the fixture is controlled by a wall switch than you will have to ID the 'hot' wire in the wall box also you will have to id the wire going to the switch as well as the switch leg coming from the switch you will need a continuity meter to test the wires
the hot wire will connect to the wire going to the switch
the switch leg will connect only to the light fixture unless others lights are controlled by the same switch
all neutrals connect together
but if this sound to much call a pro better safe than sorry
2007-07-01 12:15:20 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The black wire with the red sleeve is the switched-live wire.
This wire will connect to one side of your new light fitting. If your new light uses a screw-in type bulb with a centre connection, it will be connected to this side.
The other connection is for the neutral. So this will connect to the black wires. Note: You may have to use a connector to connect your wire from the light to the wires of the old fitting.
The red wires are the permanent lives. These are to be connected together. Do not connect any other wires to them.
Connect all your earth wires together (green/yellow).
Make sure you switch off at the consumer unit before you start working on the light. Also, tape up the connector with insulation tape if you are using a connector.
If it still trips you have a serious fault which is beyond the realms of this post to advise. You will definitely have to call in an electrician then. Best of luck.
2007-07-02 08:27:37 · answer #2 · answered by nigel t 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a sparky.
Trying different combinations of wiring is ALWAYS a bad thing in electricity.
The sparky may not have passed his Part P, but has been doing the job for years. Ask around, don't just pick one at random from the Yellow P. A lot of sparkies are using the fear factor as an excuse to overcharge....but in your case I think you need to seek advice from a trusted one.
2007-07-01 11:29:25 · answer #3 · answered by Paul H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lets do some DIY involving electrics - it will only blow a fuse or kill someone! Get a pro. All work in kitchens, bathrooms and externally requires a competent person. Unless you know what you're doing in the other areas of the house leave well alone. As for the guy who thinks UK power runs at 110v . . . . .
2007-07-02 01:01:30 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have the wiring messed up. My guess is that you have 2 different phases of 110V and when you throw the switch you are shorting out the phases and blowing the breaker. Unless you are pretty good with electricity, you may need to get an electrician out to figure it out. It shouldn't take him too long to fix it.
2007-07-01 11:23:38 · answer #5 · answered by Fordman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
firstly it is ilegal to install electrical equipment if you art not a part P rated electrician because the fitting and the wireing needs to be tested to comply with new regulations your best bet is to get a electrician who complys with part P or who is niceic registered email me back if you need extra info and if you art in the west/ south yorkshire area i can give you a part P firms phone number x
2007-07-01 11:21:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋