WIRING DIAGRAMS FOR LIGHTING CIRCUITS.

  • Thread starter Thread starter FAQ
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
F

FAQ

Joined
16 Apr 2009
Messages
64
Reaction score
61
Location
West Midlands
Country
United Kingdom
PLEASE NOTE (Thanks to SecureSpark)

Before changing a light fitting or switch (or any other accessory for that matter), please do what you can to document the existing connections to that equipment. Take photo's and write down which wires are connected to which terminals on the accessory or light fitting.

Especially, do NOT assume blue (or black) -sheathed conductors are neutrals!

A classic DIY mistake is to take down a correctly connected light fitting with more than one cable connected to it then wire up the new one with all browns (reds) to the live terminal and all blues (blacks) to the neutral (Not forgetting the earth terminal to the cpc's, where present).

When the circuit is re-energised, it is discovered that the light is on with the switch(es) in the "OFF" position(s). When the (one) switch is switched to the other position, the circuit protective device opens, as there is now a short circuit between live and neutral.

Additionally, there may well be three core cables connected to extractor fans etc... Do not assume certain colours must be lives and others neutrals.

Also, this sounds a little obvious, but if the wiring is not faulty and the accessory or light fitting is working, please ensure it is reconnected in the same manner as before.


1) SINGLE WAY LIGHT VIA A JUNCTION BOX

Click image to enlarge
NOTE-
If a metal light switch is used, connect the earth wire to the earth terminal on the light switch and loop to the back box.

Using a switch wire with twin red + earth:

(Click on image to open)

Harmonized (Brown / Blue):

(Click on image to open)

Harmonized with twin brown + earth switch wire:

(Click on image to open)
 
2) LIGHTING USING CHOCK BLOCK OLD COLOURS

1 way lighting using chock block:

Click image to enlarge

2 way lighting using chock block:

Click image to enlarge

2 way intermediate using chock block:

Click image to enlarge
 
3) 2 way switching.

Converting from 2 independently switched lights



OLD STYLE 2 WAY SWITCHING

This method should only be used if the lights are on the same circuit but it's not that uncommon to see it done between circuits!

 
4) ADDING A THIRD SWITCH TO A 2 WAY SYSTEM.

You don't need to understand the workings of the existing 2 way system, you just have to remember that the combination of a 2 way switch and an intermediate switch act like a 2 way switch that can be controlled from 2 places.

Follow this diagram

 
5) 1-WAY & 2-WAY SWITCHES


Click image to enlarge


Never bother buying 1-way switches - 2-ways will do the same job, and can be upgraded if you need to in the future.

2 GANG 2 WAY SWITCH
[GALLERY=media, 14134][/GALLERY]

This is the back of a 2 gang 2 way switch.

It is 2 switches on the back of the same switch plate, one being up side down in relation to the other. Each switch must use C and L1 or all 3. The dividing line shows which is which half.
 
6) MORE SWITCHING METHODS

NOTE :Don't be confused if a different colour goes to a different terminal. Often Red is used as "Common" & Blue & Yellow as strappers (L1 & L2).


Click image to enlarge


Click image to enlarge
 
7) WIRING DIAGRAMS

Here are some colour variations on the choc block connection method.


Click image to enlarge


Click image to enlarge

This is a multi switch setup. You can fit as many intermediate switches as you like.


Click image to enlarge
 
8 ) LIGHTING USING A JUNCTION BOX HARMONIZED COLOURS

1 way lighting using junction box:

Click image to enlarge

2 way lighting using junction box

Click image to enlarge

2 way intermediate using junction box:

Click image to enlarge
 
9 ) HOW TO SPUR OFF A SOCKETS RING CIRCUIT


Click image to enlarge

Thanks To RF Lighting
 
10) CEILING ROSE HARMONIZED WIRING

If a metal light switch is used, connect the earth wire to the earth terminal on the light switch and loop to the back box.

It is possible to place more than one intermediate switch on the cable between both of the two way switches making more switch points. All the intermediate switches are wired in the same configuration.

Chock block must be enclosed in fitting or in a suitable enclosure above ceiling and not exposed to heat from the lamp.

Harmonized Colour Scheme Diagrams

Single way loop in ceiling rose:

Click image to enlarge

Two way with loop in ceiling rose:

Click image to enlarge

Two way intermediate with loop in ceiling rose:

Click image to enlarge
 
11) LIGHTING USING CHOCK BLOCK HARMONIZED

Single way lighting using chock block, courtesy of RF Lighting:

Click image to enlarge

Two way lighting using chock block:

Click image to enlarge

Two way intermediate using chock block:

Click image to enlarge
 
How to add a P.I.R. with floodlight.

Connecting to the ring main (socket circuit)

Cables used from the JB to the F.C.U must be the same size as the existing cable (2.5mm) You must then put a 3A fuse in the F.C.U.

Connecting to a lighting circuit, the F.C.U can be a switch instead

[GALLERY=media, 7253][/GALLERY]

above uses all old colours

[GALLERY=media, 7254][/GALLERY]

above uses old and new colours
 
An alternative way to wire a two way light circuit which is convenient for wall lamps with a switch in or below the lamp.


[GALLERY=media, 38689][/GALLERY]
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top