emergency light switching

[evansjrraves]

Got a corridor lighting problem with a non maintained e/light at the end which loses power when the 2 way switch turns all the lights off, thus bringing the light into emergency mode when all other lights are switched off. There is a 2way switch at one end with a key switch next to it. The permanent feed goes into the com of the key switch, then a link goes from there to the com of the 2 way switch next to it. there is a s/line in the key switch and the 2 strappers in the 2 way. At the other end of corridor is the other 2 way switch, next to which is non maintained e/light fitting. when switch is operated it kills power to click plug which e.l fitting is plugged into. Couldn't figure out why the e/l fitting keeps losing power and if the switch wiring or click plug wiring is wrong. Any help from more experienced people would be gratefully received.

 

[telectrix]

obviously, the keyswitch is fed by a switched L. not a permanent L.

 

[Guest77]

Got a corridor lighting problem with a non maintained e/light at the end which loses power when the 2 way switch turns all the lights off, thus bringing the light into emergency mode when all other lights are switched off. There is a 2way switch at one end with a key switch next to it. The permanent feed goes into the com of the key switch, then a link goes from there to the com of the 2 way switch next to it. there is a s/line in the key switch and the 2 strappers in the 2 way. At the other end of corridor is the other 2 way switch, next to which is non maintained e/light fitting. when switch is operated it kills power to click plug which e.l fitting is plugged into. Couldn't figure out why the e/l fitting keeps losing power and if the switch wiring or click plug wiring is wrong. Any help from more experienced people would be gratefully received.

Sorry but really, come on man get a grip, it is obviously a wire mixed up and as tel has pointed out you are switching the emergency key rather than it having a permanent feed, surely you understand how the circuit should work? if so disconnect the switches, code them out with a continuity tester and reconnect.

 

[Adam W]

When the lights are off and you close the keyswitch do lights come back on but the emergency fitting stays in emergency mode?
I'd go with the other 2 - feed to emergency swapped with a strapper.

 

[tazz]

I would say, the em light was an after thought....and the 2 way light is the old live to first com switch, and feed to light from second com switch, with 2 strappers........and you can bet what com has been used for the permanent em feed is off the switched com

 

[edexlab]

In general if your not sure about something first identify all wires by continuity test as suggested above,

label them with tape as you go and draw a circuit diagram ,ie in your case showing the 2 way and the Em light then you should be able to work it out from there simple!

I see so many people confronted with a fault and they just start guessing the cause of the problem standing there scratching their heads instead of approaching things in a logical manner by gathering the info first,
figure out whats what and trace where it should go, even if you have limited experience this will help as you have the facts in front of you and you should find it relatively easy to see what the problem is

 

[evansjrraves]

yes tazz you were correct. Unfortunately yesterday I couldn't get above the ceiling to trace cable into emergency light, today I was allowed to cut a big human shaped hole in the ceiling (not sure why there was no access hatch) In the ceiling rose there was no permanent live so I ran one the whole length of the corridor to the other emergency light and now everything works as it should. I tried all the obvious solutions in the switches but didn't want to ruin the ceiling unfortunately had no choice. I believe they wired it as a click plug for a normal light fitting then realised above an exit should be an emergency

 

[evansjrraves]

yes tazz you were correct. Unfortunately yesterday I couldn't get above the ceiling to trace cable into emergency light, today I was allowed to cut a big human shaped hole in the ceiling (not sure why there was no access hatch) In the ceiling rose there was no permanent live so I ran one the whole length of the corridor to the other emergency light and now everything works as it should. I tried all the obvious solutions in the switches but didn't want to ruin the ceiling unfortunately had no choice. I believe they wired it as a click plug for a normal light fitting then realised above an exit should be an emergency