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Electrical

Old lighting fixture, 3 sets of black and red wires

Anonymous user 17/03/2024 - 2.30 PM

I am replacing an old light and have found there are 3 sets of cables each with a red and black wire from the old connection. There doesn't seem to be an earth. When I try to connect up the new light it stays permanently on and will not turn off with the switch. How can I fix this? Thanks

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2 Answers

Phase three electrical

Rating: 5 out of 5

Bradford

The reason its staying on is because you have wired up the light to the permanent live cable. You need to identify the switch wire with use of a continuity tester and connect the switched live to the light not the permanent live. If there is no earth then you must provide an earth connection either from another light or from the main consumer unit. If you dont have electrical knowledge its best to consult a professional for your own safety.

Answered15 August 2023

Oh Abode

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Biggleswade

One of the wires will likely be a switched live. One will be the loop, I’ve found in some cases that one of the blacks needs to be on its own and not linked to anything. My advice, would be to try different combinations until it works

Answered15 August 2023