Faulty Extension Light Circuit

[Stuart Lane]

I had an extension fitted and a single circuit added for the light. However, the light will only operate from the MCB and not the switch. As soon as I introduce the switch into the circuit and operate it from there it trips the MCB and will not stay on. Any thoughts on what might be causing this?

 

[telectrix]

when it works, is the switch in the on or the off position?

 

[Stuart Lane]

If I leave the switch in the 'On' position and operate from MCB it comes on. As soon as I then switch off the circuit it will not remake.

 

[westward10]

Two way switch shorting line to neutral??

 

[telectrix]

problem would appear to be in the switch or in back of it. surgical removal is an option.electricians are cheaper than surgeons.

 

[Strima]

Is the circuit still under warranty?

 

[westward10]

Sounds like someone may have dropped a three core down, one core being the neutral but they have connected it to a two way switch, maybe?

 

[HandySparks]

Did you install the new wiring, light and switch?

 

[Stuart Lane]

It was done by an electrician. I thought it might be the switch and then the light fitting / chandelier. I have tried different light fittings and problem remains. Wiring to light contains 2 Live, 2 Neutral and 2 Earth wires but I guess this is normal.

Warranty - No but I can live with the problem as there are other lights close enough.

2 Way switching shorting line to neutral - explain!

 

[westward10]

Can you safely remove the switch and show a pic of the connections.

 

[westward10]

A two way switch will have three terminals, a common, L1 and L2. The common will switch across to either L1 or L2 depending on its position. It is possible a neutral has ended up in L1 or L2 causing a short when you switch it.

 

[Strima]

It was done by an electrician. I thought it might be the switch and then the light fitting / chandelier. I have tried different light fittings and problem remains. Wiring to light contains 2 Live, 2 Neutral and 2 Earth wires but I guess this is normal.

Warranty - No but I can live with the problem as there are other lights close enough.

2 Way switching shorting line to neutral - explain!

So have you fitted a new light?

Did you just join all the browns, blues and green/yellow together?

 

[Pete999]

Who did the wiring? Builder or qualified Electrician?

 

[Octopus]

Get said spark back

What does their cert say

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

Is the circuit still under warranty?

the warranty is in the same place as the certificate and vat invoice....

 

[Stuart Lane]

Light Switch has 3 terminals - L1, L2 and Common - I joined Blue to Common and Brown to L1/L2.

Light Fitting - I joined the single blue to twin blues and single brown to twin browns.

 

[telectrix]

the problem is in your wiring at the light. you have connected a switch L to the N so that when the switch is on, you're shorting L-N.a 20 minute job for a competent spark. £40 -£50 inc.

 

[westward10]

Thought so

 

[Octopus]

Light Switch has 3 terminals - L1, L2 and Common - I joined Blue to Common and Brown to L1/L2.

Light Fitting - I joined the single blue to twin blues and single brown to twin browns.

So no attempt to answer the questions about the installation, testing, certificate.....

DIY alert

 

[Strima]

Light Switch has 3 terminals - L1, L2 and Common - I joined Blue to Common and Brown to L1/L2.

Light Fitting - I joined the single blue to twin blues and single brown to twin browns.

Call in a spark to sort out your DIY cock up.