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Wiring up a wall light with a pull switch only basic instructions

Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2021 3:37 pm
by Lazz46
I have a new wall light fitting which came with very basic instructions for wiring. the existing wires coming out of the wall are standard live neutral & earth, the wires in the new fitting, see photo, are one black (assumed for live) and one white (assumed neutral) to the bulb holder + earth fixed to the metal casing, no probs there. also there are 2 black wires from the pull cord switch, the rough sketch instruction shows these two wires being connected one to the live and one to the neutral coming from the bulb holder, is this correct? and if not how should it be wired?
any assistance appreciated, thanks in advance.

Re: Wiring up a wall light with a pull switch only basic instructions

Posted: Sun Jul 18, 2021 3:30 pm
by Mr White
If the wires from the switch are connected to the live and neutral as soon as the switch is operated it would create a short circuit operating the circuit protective device (I would hope, either that or the cable would catch fire and or melt) Not to mention the associated bang, and blue flash.
The pair from the switch should be connected in series with the live.
I would also mention you do not have to connect the switch, you could just connect the black white and earth. This is only the case that the previous light for which this is a replacement is switched from elsewhere, say by the door to the room.
This is because there is no facility for 2 way switching. 2 Way switching is where you turn the light on at one switch, and off at another switch, and vice versa. If you were to connect the new light fittings switch, someone could operate the light switch so when the main light switch is turned on, the light will NOT come on because it's switch is now in the off position.

Re: Wiring up a wall light with a pull switch only basic instructions

Posted: Sun Jul 18, 2021 5:25 pm
by Lazz46
Thanks Mr White, as I suspected, much appreciated.

Re: Wiring up a wall light with a pull switch only basic instructions

Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2021 10:40 pm
by chriscba
Join one of the switch black wires to the light black wire in a connector block.
Then the 2 cables left, the white neutral & the other black switch wire, connect these to the live & neutral cables in the wall.

Re: Wiring up a wall light with a pull switch only basic instructions

Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2021 11:01 pm
by Lazz46
Sorted thanks.