Downlight wiring.

rickyroma

Got 4 gu10 down lights in the bathroom. Metal frames have gone a bit rusty so I've bought a set of the integrated led ones.

The new lights have 2 live connections. One is for the switching live, the other one says "loop". I assume loop means permanent live. Is this correct?

Anyway, looking at the old light fitting, there are 2 cables going in. Both with live, neutral and earth. Looking online I assumed one of the lives would be the permanent live but

both barely register against neutral with a multimeter. Looking online I expected one of the lives to be 240v but neither are.

Anyone care to explain what's going on please 🥹?

sheenas

Modern led down lighters are normally daisy chained and are not looped. You live and neural in and live and neural out. A common earth.

rickyroma

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82059655#Comment_82059655

Thanks

So, both lives go in the switching live ? and the neutrals can go together or one in each neutral connector or will either work with N?

sheenas

The live must go into the switched live. The neutrals can go together. It’s important not to switch them around.

rickyroma

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82059730#Comment_82059730

Sorry, I know I'm being thick but.. BOTH lives go in the switched live?

Ectophile

Loop is essentially a spare terminal that isn't actually connected to the lamp itself.

For a single light on a switch, the Loop could be used for the permanent live. From there would be a drop wire to the switch, and the returning switched live would go to the Live on the lamp.

If you want multiple lights on the same switch, wire the first lamp as above, then daisy chain the switched live and neutral to all the other lights. You wouldn't need the Loop terminal on those.