New lighting circuits.

imago · Sep 11, 2012

When installing a new lighting circuit into an existing installation do you follow the existing set up? Or install it to your preference or the latest 'thinking'? I'm referring to loop in, or line to switch, or line and neutral to switch.

I have to run a new circuit into an existing room which is having a full refit, ceiling and walls replastered, floor up etc etc. The lighting will be a single pendant and three (I think) wall lights, so no issues with downlights, JBs etc. Using a spare way in the nearby CU is perfectly possible so it can be done in any of the above ways. It already has wiring in which is loop in, and the wiring for that checks out OK and the whole install is on a 17th board.

I have an idea which way I'm going to do it, but wondered if others mix up systems or stick with what's already in?

i=p/u · Sep 11, 2012

whatever way you want to do it ,using less cable and long as works..

Paul.M · Sep 11, 2012

As above, which ever is easiest for you.

Line to switch, switch line to fitting and wago/term block the neutral in the switch and loop to each fitting, why not if its the best way of doing it.

telectrix · Sep 11, 2012

if you've got wall lights i would deffo go for loop at switch position to save having 2/3 cables to the wall lights or junctions.

imago · Sep 11, 2012

To be honest none of them are a difficult way. The loop in is already there, and the CU is less than a metre away from the room and accessible through the ceiling void. So aside from a few metres of cable, there's no real advantage for me in one method or the other.

My only consideration was mixing methods in the same house. So two of the three rooms on the ground floor would be loop in, and one L+E to the switch. Just seems a bit messy to me, although that's my intention.

Fin170 · Sep 11, 2012

I prefer to take feeds to switches as it's much easier to deal with light fittings (especially wall lights and fancy fittings) and customers changing their minds. Also less time up a ladder...

However most rewires this is too difficult and It's easiest to take it to a wiring centre or several full of push in connectors. Also taking 3 core to your switches is easier and cheaper when using this method, if there is more than one light or you're making allowances for the future