when Fitting a new kitchen light the new light didn't have a specific place (plastic connectors) for the 3 ring main wires out of the original ceiling rose which I was instructed to remove from the ceiling

I was told that the three ring main wires could simply be secured together in a plastic connector and taped up

Result is that the kitchen light is working correctly but bedroon and bathroom lights are not working

It seems the ring main wires are the problem any advice

Eddie, June 2009

Thanks P

Will try again

Eddie, June 2009

You will notice in the picture that Live does not connect to the lamp - three "live" wires all connect together - an in an out and one to the switch. These three live wires all need to be joined together.

It is not enough to just loop the three live wires together to get the downstream lights working - they need a neutral too.

You can make all the connections you need at the connector on your new light except for the three live conductors that you can put in a teminal strip (all in the same hole) well taped up and tucked into the ceiling void. This arrangement is quite probably counter to the regulations but many people do it - I am not qualified to give you this sort of dangerous advice so continue to take care.

P, June 2009

Thanks Peccavi,

I will check the wiring against the picture

Are the loop wires okay in a single plastic connector then taped or do they need to be in individual connectors?

Eddie, June 2009

"Ring Main" refers to power wiring - the circuit make a complete circle so that power to a socket may come from two directions...

House wiring for lighting is usually a loop-in system where the power snakes from one ceiling rose to another with the last rose in the chain not linked further.

You have interrupted the power and or neutral to the ceiling roses that are not working.

A ceiling fitting typically needs 4 separate terminals - Earth - Live - Neutral - and Switched Live (to turn the light on and off).

This picture may help explain things...

http://www.flameport.com/electric/lighting_circuits/lighting_ceiling_rose_looped.cs4

Notice the Blue wire coming from the switch - it has a sleeve on it to show that it's switched live and not a neutral.

You may wish to consult an electrician.

Good luck... take care...

Peccavi, June 2009