The IET is carrying out some important updates between 17-30 April and all of our websites will be view only. For more information, read this Announcement

Rules and Guidelines
Want to participate in the discussions? Please read our Community Rules and Guidelines. Need some help? Visit Support and Answers.

  • State Not Answered
  • Locked Locked
  • Replies 140 replies
  • Subscribers 31 subscribers
  • Views 14654 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
You may also be interested in
This discussion is locked.
You cannot post a reply to this discussion. If you have a question start a new discussion

What is the best way to wire ceiling lights?

Arran Cameron
The ceiling rose junction box with its loop-in wiring is now really showing its age and is no longer a practical (or even safe) installation for most residents who wish to install fancy light fittings. It is still, however, the most common arrangement for new build houses and rewires, probably as the result of the electrician's training and how they consider it to be the norm or they cannot think of (potentially better) alternatives.


So, what is the best way to wire ceiling lights? Should neutral wires be taken to the switches or not?
Parents
  • 0

    ebee:

    The easiest way is to just wire as loop in to a 4 plate ceiling rose with flex and lampholder and inform the owner that if they buy a fancy fitting to ensure that the top bit is a cup that will fit over the backplate (Leave a spare rose backplate for them to lose/ignore when they buy a fitting). Of course you might warn them of a permanent L in the backplate but they often choose to ignore that as well!




    That's fine if your 'new' C18th Venetian chandelier is less than 2kg otherwise you might have to fix a mechanical supporting hook up in place of the ceiling rose. Using the bell cover should be ok to house the connector block. Otherwise you have entered the realm of the over officious ELF.....


    Legh

Reply
  • 0

    ebee:

    The easiest way is to just wire as loop in to a 4 plate ceiling rose with flex and lampholder and inform the owner that if they buy a fancy fitting to ensure that the top bit is a cup that will fit over the backplate (Leave a spare rose backplate for them to lose/ignore when they buy a fitting). Of course you might warn them of a permanent L in the backplate but they often choose to ignore that as well!




    That's fine if your 'new' C18th Venetian chandelier is less than 2kg otherwise you might have to fix a mechanical supporting hook up in place of the ceiling rose. Using the bell cover should be ok to house the connector block. Otherwise you have entered the realm of the over officious ELF.....


    Legh

Children
No Data

Join us to get the best from IET EngX.

Joining EngX lets you personalise your experience so you stay up to date on the topics that interest you, plus you’ll be able to make connections who are looking to collaborate, exchange ideas and more.

Join us Not now

Community Rules & Guidelines