I was in the process of fitting a new pendant light. I had removed the old one and in doing so at some point the sleeve identifying the switched live came off the black/neutral wire. I am now unsure which is the switched live. I do not have a multimeter to test and have never used one. Is there any other way by process of elimination to find which is the switched live again?

dave, June 2008

Dump the screwdriver and purchase a multi meter.

Handyman, December 2009

Hello Dave (shades of 2001)
Get yourself a good neon test screwdriver. Touch the end of the screwdriver on each wire in turn while getting someone to flick the light switch on and off. The wire which causes the neon to light in sympathy is your switching live.

Ian, June 2008

Thanks John. I do have a mains tester screwdriver so just to recap: With power on and all cables disconnected coming out of ceiling I just need to test each "live" wire and the one that does not light up the neon bulb will be the one that I use the neutral from for the switched live?

dave, June 2008

By far the safest way is to go and buy a mains testing screwdriver......you put your thumb on one end (really) then touch the blade onto the cable you want to test. A neon lamp in the handle lights up if it finds a live wire. Costs a couple of quid.

John, June 2008