Wall lights - advice needed

Raksha

When we moved in, the previous residence had removed their original wall light fittings, leaving wires covered with insulating tape (we believe they are wired in to the switch for the centre light in the room, so would be live when this light is on).

We would like to reinstate them, so I purchased two wall lights from IKEA which came with their own independent switches. BUT - these lights have 3 pin plugs attached. Is it feasible to wire these into the lighting circuit?

fluffpot

Yes, but I suggest you use an electrician to do it

Raksha

You know about my OH's DIY abilities

googler

The wires could be live even with the wall switch off, depending on how they're wired up, so isolate at the fuse box or consumer unit before you do anything with them

In theory, yes, you can strip the 3-pin plug and switch off the IKEA lights, and some cludgery get them connected up, but wouldn't you be better off getting something that's intended to fit what you have? B&Q have a decent range.

Honestly, nothing in IKEA seems designed for UK fitments - non-standard lamps, adaptor rings for table lamps so that standard UK shades will fit, all sorts of nonsense like that.....

bazster

1. It's perfectly feasible, I would do a job like that without a second thought (not an electrician, merely a confident DIY'er who has wired in lots of things over the years), but the very fact that you have to ask suggests that you shouldn't be attempting it yourself!

2. You may be misunderstanding how it works with respect to the independent switches on the wall lights. If the wiring for the wall lights is live only when the ceiling light is on, then you will not be able to switch on the wall lights unless the ceiling light is also on. In other words: you can have the ceiling light without the wall lights, you can have the ceiling light and the wall lights, but you can't have the wall lights without the ceiling light.

What makes you think they are wired like this? It would make much more sense for the wall lights to be independent of the ceiling light. If it were me I would simply do some testing with a test light or multimeter to find out exactly how it's wired, but again it sounds like you might be better advised not to attempt it.

But you do need to be sure how it's wired before you fit the lights, because if it's not to your liking you may need some re-wiring done first.