What is the best way to wire ceiling lights?

The method of looping at the ceiling rose is the most common way, for good reason, and has usually been my preferred way. It is economical on cable, enabling a single twin-and-earth cable to be run everywhere, and leaves all terminals accessible for inspection.


To loop at switches would require three twin-and-earth cables running down to each switch - more cable and heavier wiring at each switch, though simplifying wiring at the ceiling rose. Of course, on conduit installations, where single insulated conductors are used, this is not an  issue because a single conductor can run from switch to light.


Sometimes it is desirable to provide an indicator lamp at a switch, where it controls something other than a light in the same room. Examples include bathroom light controlled by a switch outside the door, switch controlling a loft light or outside light. In these cases a neutral is required at the switch so looping off the ceiling rose will not do.


Then there are ceiling switches - my preference for a bathroom and can be useful elsewhere. Since there is no drop down a wall, there is no significant saving in cabling in wiring these looping from the ceiling rose against looping at the switch. Again, it may be desirable to incorporate an indicator light at the ceiling switch. The case for looping at the switch increases considerably.


Should we put less emphasis on wall switches and more on ceiling switches, thereby saving on wiring and also solving the problem of the live conductor at the ceiling rose? Just a thought.

The method of looping at the ceiling rose is the most common way, for good reason, and has usually been my preferred way. It is economical on cable, enabling a single twin-and-earth cable to be run everywhere, and leaves all terminals accessible for inspection.


To loop at switches would require three twin-and-earth cables running down to each switch - more cable and heavier wiring at each switch, though simplifying wiring at the ceiling rose. Of course, on conduit installations, where single insulated conductors are used, this is not an  issue because a single conductor can run from switch to light.


Sometimes it is desirable to provide an indicator lamp at a switch, where it controls something other than a light in the same room. Examples include bathroom light controlled by a switch outside the door, switch controlling a loft light or outside light. In these cases a neutral is required at the switch so looping off the ceiling rose will not do.


Then there are ceiling switches - my preference for a bathroom and can be useful elsewhere. Since there is no drop down a wall, there is no significant saving in cabling in wiring these looping from the ceiling rose against looping at the switch. Again, it may be desirable to incorporate an indicator light at the ceiling switch. The case for looping at the switch increases considerably.


Should we put less emphasis on wall switches and more on ceiling switches, thereby saving on wiring and also solving the problem of the live conductor at the ceiling rose? Just a thought.