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Indoor Lighting - 4 sets of wires

Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2007 1:39 pm
by stew_mclean
Hi,

I have been trying to change the light fittings in my kitchen. There are 2 sets of lights - both controlled with the same switch.

The far light has 1 set of 3 cables (red, black, earth) so that one I am happy with. However, the closest one has 4 identical sets of 3. Ive removed the fitting, so I now just have 4 sets of 3 wires coming from the ceiling.

Since removing the old fitting Ive noticed that the downstairs toilet light now doesnt work either (it has its own switch). The toilet added to the house, so Im guessing that they have taken a feed from the kitchen light?

Ive read some forums, and made the following assumptions:

(1) 1 set of three is permanent live.
(2) 1 set of three goes to the far light in the kitchen
(3) 1 set of three presumably goes off the downstairs toilet.
(4) 1 set of three goes to the switch in the kitchen

Assuming that I am correct, and that I can work out which is which, how should I connect them. From what Ive managed to read I think that I should colour match sets (1), (2) and (3). But I dont know if this is correct, or what I should do with (4).

Any help much appreciated.

Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2007 2:19 pm
by ultimatehandyman
Hi Stew,

there are some diagrams on this site that might help-

http://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/diy/e ... wiring.htm

http://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/diy/e ... itting.htm

The far light that you talk about is just taken from the first light in that room and so what you probably have is this diagram below, but with the extra three wires that go to the other light in that room-

Image

Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2007 2:29 pm
by stew_mclean
Admin,

The second diagram on the first link you sent looks pretty much like my setup I think.

Now I just need to work out which is which. Ive already sussed which one is live. Ouch. Think I should be able to work out the rest.

Thanks mate.

Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2007 4:41 pm
by ultimatehandyman
stew_mclean wrote:Admin,

The second diagram on the first link you sent looks pretty much like my setup I think.

Now I just need to work out which is which. Ive already sussed which one is live. Ouch. Think I should be able to work out the rest.

Thanks mate.
Nice one :thumbright:

If you don't get it sorted let us know and hopefully one of the sparks will advise :wink: