How to wire IKEA light pendant

[Jen Jackson]

I bought an IKEA light pendant and confused about how to wire it. The light is controlled by 2 switches and I have old colour wiring. From the ceiling I have 3 cables coming out. One is a single red cable, the other 2 contain black, red and earth.
The switch I have to put these wires into only has a neutral and a live hole.
Should I group the neutral and live cables together?
Many thanks in advance!

 

[Flanders]

Did you take a photo of the old light when it was still connected , if not it will be difficult to help

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Hi Jen,

The first few replies will tell you (politely I hope) to get an electrician to do it, as that is the correct advice as there's a bit more too it than just 'grouping cables together'. Then however, someone who is too eager and maybe bored will explain how to do it without going into enough detail (as there is so much more to it than joining the correct wires together) and your light will work albeit in perhaps a dangerous fashion.

Good luck

 

[Jen Jackson]

I didn’t, because the rose was wired in a completely different way I didn’t think it would be needed, I’m regretting this now!

 

[Flanders]

Then im afraid if you do not have test equipment then you will need an electrian

 

[peterhyper]

Jen, I would suggest that you call a local electrician tomorrow and get them to do it. Obviously check their cost beforehand, but for this type of job I charge my basic callout charge which covers the first hour. I would guess it will cost around £50 to get an electrician out, but at least it will be done properly and safely.

 

[Baddegg]

Did a little red bit fall off one of them black wires Jen?

 

[Jen Jackson]

Did a little red bit fall off one of them black wires Jen?

I didn’t see any red bit come off. I think I’m just going to have suck up paying for an electrician and not buy from IKEA again!

 

[Jen Jackson]

Thanks for the advice everyone, just going to get an electrician if it isn’t that straight forward.
Thanks again!

 

[Deleted member 105166]

Jen, also be VERY careful what you touch, as I assume you have no test equipment to prove dead. There is a situation commonly referred to as a "borrowed neutral" which in simplest terms means the wires you think are dead because you've switched the breaker off for say "upstairs lights" aren't all dead as a neutral is energised from another circuit. Call a sparks and be safe!

 

[peterhyper]

I didn’t see any red bit come off. I think I’m just going to have suck up paying for an electrician and not buy from IKEA again!

I will admit that I'm not impressed with the quality of ikea light fittings, but regardless of the make of light fitting you would still be in the same position.

Good luck getting it sorted.

 

[Deleted member 9648]

I didn’t see any red bit come off. I think I’m just going to have suck up paying for an electrician and not buy from IKEA again!

You cant blame IKEA for not noting how it was wired before you disconnected all the wires, you'd be in the same boat wherever the light came from.

 

[Baddegg]

wiring then uo is the easy bit.....getting that plastic cowling thing to stay flush to the ceiling!....that’s a skill in its own!

 

[Deleted member 105166]

I will admit that I'm not impressed with the quality of ikea light fittings

They're not all bad, I was particularly impressed by the ----, so have a few of them now. (Product No.16 on the list linked to).

 

[Baddegg]

I like a ---- myself Tony.....