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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
    Reflecting upon this, the answer must be, "it depends".


    Modest accommodation, let's say student halls, one lamp per room, loop at the rose.


    Problem with looping at the switch is that for n luminaires, or group of luminaires, we need n + 2 cables. Not good for a single lamp, but not bad for a sitting room with three lamps (or groups of lamps).


    Rewire - pulling a single switch drop under the old capping may be a doddle: pulling three cables may not be.
Reply
  • 0
    Reflecting upon this, the answer must be, "it depends".


    Modest accommodation, let's say student halls, one lamp per room, loop at the rose.


    Problem with looping at the switch is that for n luminaires, or group of luminaires, we need n + 2 cables. Not good for a single lamp, but not bad for a sitting room with three lamps (or groups of lamps).


    Rewire - pulling a single switch drop under the old capping may be a doddle: pulling three cables may not be.
Children
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