light fitting problem

lisamb · Post by **lisamb** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 2:07 pm

I tried to replace an old light fitting with a new one today...the wires from the ceiling are 2 red, 2 black and 2 other wires which i presume are the earth... I followed the instructions on the new light fitting it now keeps blowing the fuse everytime you try to flick the switch....can anyone tell me if they have any ideas on how to fix this?
many thanks

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 4:15 pm

Hi Lisa,

this is a common question.

It is explained in this diagram-

You need to connect the two red wires together using a terminal connector. And if one of the black wires has red insulation tape on it place that in the Live of your new fitting. Then place the black wire in the Neutral on your new fitting and connect the two earth wires to the earth on the fitting.

It should then work.

If there is no red tape on the black wire try to look at where the cables come from and choose the cable that comes from the direction of the switch, because it is most likely that it will be the switched live wire. You should identify the wire with some red insulation tape.

The picture below is a terminal block, you only need one terminal from a block like this.

Please let us know how you get on with it?

lisamb · Post by **lisamb** » Sun Jan 13, 2008 7:27 pm

how fantastic you are......thanks very much....i can now see!!!!