How to install additional ceiling lights

[Generic Friend]

I have a single fixed ceiling light in my lounge, with a switch.

I would like to install 3 more, running from the same switch. Can anyone direct me to an example circuit diagram, or tutorial of how to do this?

Thanks

 

[ericmark]

All in Wiki read what is says then ask questions.

 

[Generic Friend]

Thanks @ericmark. Am I describing a new circuit, parallel lights, or single way lighting? I am really searching where to start!

 

[Diyisfun]

Parallel lighting.
Surprised that you weren't given a link to the correct area.

Welcome to the Forum

 

[Generic Friend]

@Diyisfun Thanks! So I assume I want to connect a parallel "daisy chain"? Why would I do it this way and not in series?

 

[Taylortwocities]

Why would I do it this way and not in series?

1. If you have the lamps in series, then if one blows then they all go out (you do not want that)
2. Your mains supply is around 240volts. If you had 6 lamps in series, each lamp would need to be rated at 40volts. Now, you pop down to Tesco and try and buy some 40volt bulbs (you can't)

Lamps on mains supplies in house are always wired in parallel!
(Please, no pedantry from other viewers!!)

 

[Generic Friend]

Thanks. When I wire the parallel circuits, should I use non-flexible wiring (assuming it's in the ceiling)? How do I work out what diameter I need - I see from research there's quite a range of sizes!

 

[Iggifer]

1.0mm² Twin And Earth with some Green and Yellow sleeving over the earths will be fine.

 

[Generic Friend]

Thanks, is it any different if I put this in a brick wall (chiselled out and then plastered over)?

 

[Iggifer]

Nope, but you will need to follow safe zones (see the wiki again) and it's a best bet to fix some galvanised capping over the top of the cable to protect it whilst plastering

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I think before you start doing you really should do some basic learning - trying to find out what to do by asking only about what you realise you don't know risks missing things you don't know and don't realise you don't know.

• http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=uk+house+wiring+(basics+OR+101)
  
  
• http://kevinboone.net/electricity.html
  
  
• http://web.archive.org/web/20080213151445/http://www.kevinboone.com/domesticinstallations.html
  
  
• [wiki]Electrics%3Abooks[/wiki]
  
  
• [wiki]Electrics%3Aindex[/wiki]

 

[Taylortwocities]

Ahh the Donald Rumsfeld "unknown Unknown" situation…

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Indeed.

He was widely mocked for using that term, but only by people predisposed to wanting to score political points. If you think about it dispassionately he was raising a very valid concern.

 

[ericmark]

Sorry I should have welcomed you to the forum, I was in a hurry sorry again.

There are some series systems but they are rather specialised like aircraft ground lights and LED's supplied from a driver in most cases they are in parallel. The standard ceiling rose has 4 connections. Switched Line, Permanent Line, Neutral which will normally connect to 2,3,3 in the connector block plus an earth clamp, the centre three connections do not need to be taken to the new lamps. The switched line wire (see note) may be black/blue, if so make sure you don't get it mixed up with the neutrals.

Note we consider both line and neutral to be live, I know most DIY people call the line live but either line or neutral could give you a shock so both are considered as live.