wiring question

lethal0r

i just removed a light fitting from under my stairs, cutting the 2 wires going into it in the process (it used to be a cupboard, now the space is opened up so no need for it). now my kitchen strip light does not work.

does this mean my strip light was connected to the main circuit through the stair light? is this normal?

i just saw the 'Please ensure your electrics are up to date' post - im wondering if this is a hint I should get that done!

ormus

the lighting circuit should be on one single circuit. but cutting just the two lamp wires should not stop any other light working. unless the house was wired up by a complete cowboy.

it maybe just coincidence. check out the kitchen light first, for power.

macman

Sounds like the OP has cut the circuit cable.

WestonDave

I'd take the hint!

The thing that worries me a bit is that the cupboard light would have been "live" at least when switched on. Cutting it off simply leaves a potentially live cable, if it hasn't been isolated so at the very least you need to terminate the ends safely so they can't be touched nor can't touch each other. It does also sound as though you've broken the circuit somehow - did that light have its own switch or did it come on when the kitchen light was switched on? The latter seems plausible and would explain the situation, but would also make it important to terminate properly as clearly you are going to want to keep putting the kitchen light on and making those old cable ends live!.

lethal0r

bah what am i saying, it was one of those pull cord light switches that I removed the 2 wires from. there was no cord in it, and my kitchen light has another switch.