how do you rewire a hallogen spotlight in the kitchen when the previous light has been a flouresent strip light. There are three wires of each colour; red, black and yellow/green. When i think it is done it either lights and stays on and no other ceiling lights work or the other lights work and the kitchen one doesn't.

james running, November 2006

I have a similar problem.
The strip light has a four port conector block...the new light has three. Do I need a four port?
Also...am i right in assuming the red wires go together...yet...DO NOT...have anything to do with feeding the light with power?
You can tell im not qualified, yet im quite sensible. I just cant get my head round the fact, that the red wires, carry the feed, yet dont really go into the light? This is fed from a black wire, whch is normally neutral?? oh my...glad im a mechanic not an electritian... its all giving me a head ache.
Ive now put the strip light back up succesfully, and am trawling the net for advice. :)
Jon

Jon Brooks, December 2007

how do you determine which of the the 3 black wires is the switch live then? im having a very similar problem.

Abz, May 2007

First you need to determine which pair of wires goes to the switch, then connect the 3 red wires together then the black wire to / from the switch goes to one side of the lamp connect both of the two remaining black wires together to the other side of the lamp.
Ideally mark the black wire from the switch with red sleeving or tape, as when the switch is made this wire becomes live ....

Pete., December 2006