Electrical question - wiring colours

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James Bond

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#298716 9-Jul-2022 17:11

Hi team,

I'm currenty doing some paiting and I have taken down one of the light fittings. It's an older villa although the wiring is from the late 1980s.

in doing so I have noticed that the wiring from the ceiling to the 3 way terminal block and to the fitting is the following:

Black N to Brown L / Black N to Blue L / Red+Red L to nothing (Earth on the other side was disconnected) this is on a three way terminal block

I'm no sparky but this makes no sense to me....is this correct? I'm sure this is how it was wired when I disconnected it.

Never had an issue with this light but I'd be keen to know if the above it correct. Thanks.

gregmcc

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#2940166 9-Jul-2022 17:56

Black N to Brown L / Black N to Blue L / Red+Red L to nothing (Earth on the other side was disconnected) this is on a three way terminal block

I think a picture of what you have will be needed

not sure what you mean by Brown L or Blue L

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Bung

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#2940167 9-Jul-2022 18:00

This could be "3 plate wiring". Is so the power appears 1st at ceiling mount before dropping down to be switched.

Do Not touch without turning off at fuse box! Replied only to stress this.

What are you using N & L to mean? What wires appear at switch?

t92300

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#2940170 9-Jul-2022 18:08

Sound like 3 plated wiring and a missing earth. You should go talk to an electrician.

James Bond

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#2940176 9-Jul-2022 18:16

gregmcc:

Black N to Brown L / Black N to Blue L / Red+Red L to nothing (Earth on the other side was disconnected) this is on a three way terminal block

I think a picture of what you have will be needed

not sure what you mean by Brown L or Blue L

James Bond

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#2940178 9-Jul-2022 18:18

Bung: This could be "3 plate wiring". Is so the power appears 1st at ceiling mount before dropping down to be switched.

Do Not touch without turning off at fuse box! Replied only to stress this.

What are you using N & L to mean? What wires appear at switch?

Thanks, yup fuse is off.

If you have a look at the photo above, it was wired Brown/Blue on the other side of the block with Earth disconnected.

Will report back regarding wires at the switch.

gregmcc

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#2940180 9-Jul-2022 18:37

Ok, 1 black will be the neutral

the other black will be the switched live/active/phase from the light switch

the 2 reds, both will be live at all times, one of them goes to the light switch the other to another light or fuse board.

If you open up the light switch there will be a 2 core black/red across the switch.

this is a typical 80's 3 plate lighting setup

James Bond

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#2940925 12-Jul-2022 10:03

gregmcc:

Ok, 1 black will be the neutral

the other black will be the switched live/active/phase from the light switch

the 2 reds, both will be live at all times, one of them goes to the light switch the other to another light or fuse board.

If you open up the light switch there will be a 2 core black/red across the switch.

this is a typical 80's 3 plate lighting setup

Thanks for the replies - I have rewired it as I found it. Working as it should.

Will get the sparky to double check it the next time they are around.