Change light fitting-wires don't fit!!!

titewad_2

I am trying to change the pendant lights on my landing for glass dome ones.
The first one was no bother.However the second one is causing me problems.There are four black wires,each with 3 cores,all needing to fit in the connector block.The hole in this is considerably smaller than the one in the original pendant.Obviously I want the two lights to match but the only way I am going to get this to work is if I don't put all 3 cores from each of the four cables into the terminal.Is it safe to do this or not? I have no wish to burn my house down.Can someone electrical advise on this please..

atrammo

is it possible to put in a bigger terminal block? 13amp block is available from most diy stores and has larger holes for the wires.you then just swap the blocks and all wires go into the new block.
take careful note of where the wires go because at least one of the black wires may be live, dont just put all the reds and blacks together, this is a common mistake.
remember to turn the electric off and if your not sure get someone in.
hope this helps

titewad_2

I'm not sure about a bigger terminal block as it seems to be built into the bayonet cap for the bulb.However I will go look in B&Q tomorrow..

LeckieCJ

If your light fitting won't take all the wires you need to fit a junction box (this is not the same as a terminal block) behind the ceiling panel so that only one wire pokes through your ceiling. This is fine if the light is on the upstairs landing as access is probably okay via the loft. The wires are all there for a reason - do not connect them together etc as your lights won't work! If you are in any doubt about working with electrics DON'T TOUCH IT!! A competent/qualified person should be able to sort it out for you quickly and cheaply.

I have had the same problem in the past. It is simple to do, IF YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING...

Regards,

Chris

PS If your wires are all black on the outside with three cores, check the age/condition of your wiring. Most modern household wiring is either coloured grey or white on the outside. If in doubt..get it checked.

titewad_2

thanks for the advice LeckieCJ .If I use a junction box in the loft,what size single cable to I need to lead out of it into the light fitting please?

LeckieCJ

You need the same size as is already being used.

This will be 1mm or 1.5mm squared wire.

It is also worth mentioning that one of those wires carries live current even when your light is switched off. You must isolate the lighting circuit by switching off your circuit breaker or removing the fuse (whatever type you have), in your consumer unit before you begin to do anything...

titewad_2

Thanks for the advice again LeckieCJ..I'll hopefully sort that now later in the week as I have other things more in need at present.I also have an electrical question regarding a shower if you wouldn't mind answering that for me???

LeckieCJ

No problem..ask away...:cheesy:

Apologies for the delays in replying...I don't get much computer time at weekends...

titewad_2

LeckieCJ wrote:

Apologies for the delays in replying...I don't get much computer time at weekends...

no problem,just glad of the advice..
shower question goes like this.............we currently have an 8.5kw shower than needs replacing however I cant find a same size one that meets my required spec and budget.I have seen a couple of 9.5kw ones on offer at Homebase, however I've been told that my current wiring means 9kw is my limit.What needs changing to allow me to have the bigger kw shower and how hard is it to do.I'm guessing at thicker cable, but not too sure of it's route.

LeckieCJ

titewad wrote:

no problem,just glad of the advice..
shower question goes like this.............we currently have an 8.5kw shower than needs replacing however I cant find a same size one that meets my required spec and budget.I have seen a couple of 9.5kw ones on offer at Homebase, however I've been told that my current wiring means 9kw is my limit.What needs changing to allow me to have the bigger kw shower and how hard is it to do.I'm guessing at thicker cable, but not too sure of it's route.

Hi again...

Hopefully you will have 10mm sq cable installed so that should be good up to 9.6 kW.

Fitting a 9.5 kW shower is pushing the limit of your cable and a lot depends upon how the cable is routed (in walls, through insulation etc) and its length.

The rating also depends upon the type of circuit protection you have.

If you are replacing the cable and want to future-proof you could consider going to 16mm sq which will give you more capacity (up to approx 16Kw).

I would recommend getting an electrician in to do a proper assessment of your wiring as it is not just a case of whacking it in the walls and connecting up.

You should also ensure your shower circuit is RCD protected for safety reasons.

Electrical work is not as straight forward as it seems....(and not cheap!).:cool: