home Fix label D.I.Y label_important Lighting

Stumped by a switch wire?

I have a new light fitting with live,neutral,earth terminals but the feed has live,neutral,earth,and a switch wire.
Where do I connect the switch wire?

Anna, July 2009

home Fix label D.I.Y label_important Lightingdone

You've got it!

John (NICEIC electrician), July 2009

So if I basically use the switch wire in the live terminal and "bypass" the light with the live cable (leave in connector) then I will be able to use it like it was before? Via the 2 light switches?
I assumed this was the case but I was just making sure.

Anna, July 2009

Your new light fitting needs Earth & Neutral but, despite what you may think, it does not want Live else you will never be able to turn the light off.

Your new fitting should be connected to E, N and Switched Live (originally from the light switch) so it can be controlled.

Here's a drawing of a simple UK ceiling rose with the new Euro wire colours...

http://www.flameport.com/electric/lighting_circuits/ceiling_rose_end_newcolours.png

In the picture, permanent Live is described as "Loop" and the "Live" terminal you see is Switched Live - from the Switch.

Ceiling roses often have more wires than you see in the drawing - another cable usually runs off to the next rose.

Good luck... Take care...

Peccavi, July 2009