I installed a new light fitting which worked for two days. I switched the light on on the third day and it would not work. I assumed it was the light but then my kitchen light stopped working. I took the kitchen light down and fitted it in the bedroom. It worked but when I refitted the original bedroom light this didn't work. Now all upstairs lighting has gone except for one bedroom. Also all lighting downstairs has gone except for lounge and hallway. All wires remain live even when light is switched off. Any ideas what problem is?

Kathleen, October 2009

Kathleen,

You made the first change seemingly witout any problem but thereafter things appear to deteriorate each time you attempt diagnosis or repair - it may be time to call in an electrician.

Your statement, "all wires remain live even when light is switched off" is both correct and incorrect.

Some wires should remain live all the time - some wires should be live only when the switch is set to on and other wires should never be live.

Reach for Yellow Pages.

Good luck...

Peccavi, October 2009