Advice needed on wiring ceiling lights

D

davido

Registered User
Messages
15
Hi,

I am having a great time tring to wire new ceiling light fixings. The existing fixings have two blue wires connected from the ceiling but the new light fixings only have room to wire one. Being an electrical numbskull, is it safe to leave one of the blue wires unconnected?
 
No. You probably have to wire the two wires into the one connector. But without more details it's impossible to tell. If you are in any doubt get a professional (electrician) on the job.
 
The two blue cables are 2 neutrals. One incoming to the light fitting and the other going on to the next light in the circuit.
Both must be connected or else not all of your lights will operate.
Connect both into the one terminal, obviously make sure to isolate the circuit at the MCB board before disconnecting anything.
 
I'm with ClubMan on this, get a sparky in, it's just not worth the risk to self or property to mess with it if you don't know what you're doing.
 
Just do as per my previous post.
Switch down MCB (switch tem all down if in any doubt as to which circuit you're working on)
2 neutrals connected into 1 terminal.
Make sure all is secure and switch back up MCB.
Very simple job, save yourself a few bob!
 
Thanks all. Clubman, if I try it myself and the house burns down, you are free to tell me I told you so.

JMR, the problem is that the new fittings don't have room for the two neutrals as there are only three connections available in each - live, neutral and earth. Can I squeeze the two neutral wires into the one connection or do I need to get new terminals to accommodate everything?
 
davido said:
JMR, the problem is that the new fittings don't have room for the two neutrals as there are only three connections available in each - live, neutral and earth. Can I squeeze the two neutral wires into the one connection or do I need to get new terminals to accommodate everything?
Click to expand...

The 2 cables will fit into the one terminal. Just make sure that none of the bare cable is showing when you're finished.
Best of luck...
 
davido said:
Can I squeeze the two neutral wires into the one connection or do I need to get new terminals to accommodate everything?
Click to expand...

I have had this problem many times - good thick modern Irish house wiring does not always fit easily in delicate Italian fancy lights! Much cursing usually ensues.
 
put the big bulky cables into a suitable connector leave this in the ceiling,come out of this with a length of fine lighting cable into the fitting.
 
Probably getting house re-wired and currently have a 4 light switch - landen,hall,dining room and sitting room. I can get the same again or i could get separate switches in each room. This would involve more chasing of walls. I was thinking of going with what I had before and just get one main switch with all 4 light switches on it. Any advantages/disadvantages to this?
 
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