How to fit a ceiling light UK- Ultimate Handyman DIY tips

[XboxGamerKidd]

Why is it so confusing here in the US it is so easy

[ultimatehandyman]

@XboxGamerKidd

It can be easier if the loop in is at the switch there are only three wires to connect at the light, but in most houses in the UK the loop in is at the ceiling rose which makes it seem a little more complicated.

[AintBigAintClever]

Those Wago connectors make things look easy. What always bugs me though is that these light fittings always come with three-terminal block connector strips, which are useless when replacing a rose because they don't have a terminal for the loop-through. Would only cost pennies for them to use four-terminal strips, instead you've got to provide an extra single or replace the whole block.

Good video. After seeing all the US ones it's nice to see some earth sleeving! :)

[ultimatehandyman]

@AintBigAintClever

I agree.

It's a pity the light fitting manufacturers don't make them all modular, so the wiring is done in a socket and then the light fitting just plugs into the socket. Or they could incorporate the wago compact connectors into the fitting.

I once installed a light from Ikea and it had 7 lives and 7 neutrals to connect to the existing wiring!

Thanks for the comment ;-)

[Plastikage]

what kind/brand of tester are you using?

[ultimatehandyman]

@Plastikage

Can't remember what I used in this video, but now I use a GS38 approved voltage tester.

[saintsebastien1]

Hi, I was just wondering as to whether or not it is safe to fit a Light fitting in a downstairs toilet room? There is only a toilet and basin in there, and it is not going to be exposed to any steam or wetness.. It is a flush one. Many thanks

[ultimatehandyman]

@saintsebastien1

As far as I am aware, you only need to notify if doing electrical work in a room containing a bath or shower. You should be able to fit any light fitting in a cloak room.

[stuski1985]

Thanks for this it really helped !!!!

[ultimatehandyman]

@stuski1985

Glad it helped.

Thanks for the comment

[jamescanningcooke]

outstanding mate, keep up the good work

[ultimatehandyman]

@jamescanningcooke

Thanks for the comment

[forshawfamily]

You sound like your from Blackburn? Your vids are a godsend and those wago connectors are fab!!! Top banana Mr. Handyman ;)

[ultimatehandyman]

@forshawfamily

Just next door in Darwen ;-)

Thanks for the comment

[needmorediesel]

Interesting stuff! American electrical is so much different, so this is quite neat to see. Thanks for the video!

[ultimatehandyman]

@needmorediesel

Thanks for the comment ;-)

[herbal1971]

Those connectors look really useful.

[ultimatehandyman]

@herbal1971

Yes, I have made some videos about them- they make the job much easier ;-)

[kiwigmac]

Hi, Kitchen light (1st of 2 lights in the kitchen), I have 3 main wires coming out of ceiling. Each has earth, brown, and blue. total of 3 earth, 3 blue, 3 brown, 1 black with sleeve, and 1 grey (for second switch. No issue with 3 Earth, 3 blue, and main live wire, but where does the grey wire go and all the brown ones. Light fitting only has Earth, Nuetral, and Live connection. Help much appreciated.

[ultimatehandyman]

@kiwigmac

I have no idea, you are supposed to identify them before you remove the old fitting.

If you take pictures and post them in my forum one of the sparks might be able to tell you!

[mozer30]

@kiwigmac if in doubt consult a professional.

I cant really make sense of your comment.First off seperate your cables,one cable is your main L-N-E feed,the second will be from the switch,and the third goes to your next light,usually if there's black,gey,brown and blue core cable it involves a 2 way switch.IF you attempt to do this yourself you can only swap on a like for like basis.Otherwise it requires testing and a minor works certificate issued.

Eg;60W for 60W...NOT 60W for 4+50w spotlights

[shahin123car]

Hi excellent video collections. I have a couple of lspitlights light in my bedroom that I don't like. I was wondering if you could post a video showing a complete wiring of a ceiling light. Thank you.

[matt876mma]

What's the best way of identifying the ceiling beam to screw the bracket into ? So far it's always been hit and miss with myself when i tried to install a ceiling fan. Thanks.

[ultimatehandyman]

@matt876mma

I normally use several strong small magnets to locate the screws in the joists ;-)

Thanks for the comment

[mozer30]

@matt876mma a beam detector,i used one to miss the beams when installing downlights

[fashionking100]

I have just bought a chandler and it has 4 wires, one is green and yellow and then the other 3 are in a white piping wire and there is a green blue and brown one, why does it have so many? I haven’t taken off my old light yet, will it have the same too? Thank you :)

[ultimatehandyman]

@fashionking100

Are you in the UK?

It's unlikely that the fitting you take down will have the same wiring!

Are there any instructions with the new light fitting?

[fashionking100]

@ultimatehandyman yea it says on the wire connect green and yellow wire to plug or supply terminal marker, thank you for replying and yes im in the uk

[ultimatehandyman]

@fashionking100

Something not right there!

Green and yellow is normally earth.

Did you buy the fitting in the UK?

[fashionking100]

@ultimatehandyman yea i did, iv put it up :) i just cut the odd bit of wire off and it seems to be ok, thank you :)

[hafz12345]

@ultimatehandyman I find your videos extremely useful, please keep em coming! I wasn't aware of the Wago connectors until watching your videos, they seem to make the job so much easier and safer too by the looks of it..

[ultimatehandyman]

@hafz12345

I'm glad that the videos help ;-)

I was not aware of the Wago connectors until I saw Raymond Brewer at a tool show in 2009. Raymond invented the Wagobox to go with the Wago connectors and was demonstrating them at the tool fair!

Thanks for the comment

[supasixfour]

Hi, After watching this and a few other of your videos, I now understand how to do this, I've ordered some of those connectors, but I need the cable to connect the E, L and N to the new light fitting.

What do I need for this?

I've got some twin core and earth flex that I've been using to extend the ring main plug sockets, it I strip the cables out and put green and yellow sleeving on the earth will this do or do I need something else?

Might be a daft question but at least I'm checking!

[ultimatehandyman]

@supasixfour

Normally for ring main wiring you would use twin core and earth cable, I am assuming that you used this for the sockets and not twin core and earth flex?

The problem with twin core and earth is that it is not very flexible and so flex would be better really!

[supasixfour]

@ultimatehandyman ah I'm with you. Yes I used twin core and earth cable, it was pretty stiff. I'll get some flex. Good videos by the way, well explained.

[ultimatehandyman]

@supasixfour

No problem, it's easy to get mixed up with terminology (I do it all the time).

Thanks for the comments ;-)

[themadplotter]

I have an old fusebox not a switchboard can i jus take out the fuse for the circuit?

[ultimatehandyman]

@themadplotter

Yes, but you need to check that the circuit is dead, preferably with a GS38 approved voltage tester.

[USwitchElecServices]

Good job but you not just use a mter or test lamps

[ultimatehandyman]

@USwitchElecServices

Well most electricians know that you must use a GS38 approved voltage tester, but 99% of diyers will not own one of these and will not go out and buy one, so I try and show how to test using items that a DIYer might own. I am doing a video soon on safe isolation procedures using a GS38 approved voltage tester and will include a link to it on every electrical video.

Thanks for the comment

[88Ghillie]

Thanks dude, very thorough!

[ultimatehandyman]

@88Ghillie

You are welcome.

Thanks for the comment

[wickywills]

0:30 - you've grown!

Seriously, thanks for the video though - helped a lot!

[ultimatehandyman]

@wickywills

You are welcome.

Thanks for the comment

[davidcopeable]

Brilliant video - thanks for this..I have 9 wires too - could you message some links to me as well? thank you very much

[ultimatehandyman]

@davidcopeable

Message sent ;-)

[punisher70000000]

@ultimatehandyman can i have a the one for the 9 wires a photo of how it is supposed to be connected would be very helpful

[ultimatehandyman]

@punisher70000000

I have added the links to the description for the video. If you have any problems please let me know.

[punisher70000000]

@ultimatehandyman um I will tell you what colours I have its a 2 switch thing, blac and red, black and red, brown and blue, do you know hot to connect that but I don't have a electricitymeter thingy so I don't know which one is the swich

[ultimatehandyman]

@punisher70000000

If you have already removed the light fitting, you either need a multimeter or an electrician I am afraid.

[punisher70000000]

@punisher70000000 oh i just done it wand it works now but thanks for the video it helped me out a lot

[ultimatehandyman]

@punisher70000000

You are welcome, thanks for the comments

[blazewarrior123]

thanks for the quality vid, i never liked working with electric ever since i got volted, but this vid has been so helpful

[ultimatehandyman]

@blazewarrior123

You are welcome.

Thanks for the comment

[Thasleem1971]

thank you so much so helpfull ,, important is the video quality honestly stunning,,,,,,,,,,,,, cheers, bless yoiu

[ultimatehandyman]

@Thasleem1971

Thanks for the comment.

I'm glad it helped!

I'm also glad that I spent the extra money on HD equipment for making the videos as it seems to make a huge difference to quality ;-)

[DemonCupidKeato]

I've taken the current fitting off and there are 9 wires, 4 red, 3 earth, 2 black.

cant identify switch wire

and do all the red wires have to be connected?

Any help would be appreciated!

[ultimatehandyman]

@DemonCupidKeato

I'll message you some links that should help

[yfzi]

I have a new light to install and it has a blue wire and a red wire, no earth wires.. on my fitting I have 4 red wires 2 earth wires and 2 black wires (im guessing these are neutral) so what do I do connect the red with red and blue with black? and what do i do with the cables that are left behind? please help

[ultimatehandyman]

@yfzi

Blue and red wires are not standard wiring colours, they are normally either blue and brown or red and black.

Are you in the UK?

[shefftyke]

I've taken the current fitting off and there are 9 wires instead of 6.

I'm also struggling to identify the live switch wire. My earth wires are put together like yours were but I have a seperate set of earth, live and neutral wires from a different source. Is this because I have two light switches?

I have 3 earth wires, 4 live and 2 neutral.

Any help would be appreciated!

[ultimatehandyman]

@shefftyke

9 wires is normal at most light fittings.

I'll message you some links that will help- I can't post links as comments!

[TheStevo787]

ok ive sussed out that the 2 black ones are the neutral wires, but my earth wire has no green an yellow sleeve over it its just 3 gold wires?? is this defo the earth wire as in your vid it only shows 2 wires for the earth and if it is the 3 wires that are my earth wire does that mean i need a 3 way connector with 1 flex hole to attach to my new light

[ultimatehandyman]

@TheStevo787

Are you in the UK?

If you have copper coloured earth wires that is normal, but you need to put green and yellow sleeving on them to identify them, then connect all three to the earthing terminal in the light fitting

[TheStevo787]

Hi, its very helpfull to me this but were i have got stuck is everything is like you say on your vid apart from the face that i have 2 black wires, so im unsure what to do with them and what wire to connect them with on the new fitting, your help would be much appreiciated

[BorisandMaisie]

Cheers - jobsa good'un ;-)

[MrDiyend]

this is the clearest and best video . i could complete all my lighting in house . thank you

[ultimatehandyman]

@MrDiyend

I'm glad it helped.

Thanks for the comment

[saxovtr2468]

thankyou for these great videos, you have saved me alot of money and time!!

[ultimatehandyman]

@saxovtr2468

You are welcome.

Thanks for the comment

[najinamaz]

Good video

[Poobah1994]

Hi i was wondering what the make of your voltage tester was?

[ultimatehandyman]

@Poobah1994

I'm not sure what make it is, but to be safe you should get a GS38 approved voltage tester as it is the only way to be certain that the electricity is isolated. A GS 38 approved voltage tester is about £40 upwards

[idanamani]

Hi there, helpful video, similar querry to shanebh007. I have 3 earth, three blue and 3 brown wires. Can you please post the link? Also, after replacing the lights with my new one, I can't switch off using the light switch. the light just stay on despite flicking the switch. I must have done something wrong. Any advice will be appreciated

[ultimatehandyman]

@idanamani

Hi, I have done a video on how to sort this problem out.

I'll message you the link as I cannot post links in comments.

[Wobblefunksta]

@ultimatehandyman

Having same problem as idanamani... Got an almost exact same GU10 fitting as your vid but not working on switch, despite coming on, once source is back on. Any suggestions? Great vid by the way!

[ultimatehandyman]

@Wobblefunksta

This is the video I posted to idanamani

watch?v=0MLshqOmltU

I hope it helps

[ultimatehandyman]

@idanamani

Hi, I have done a video on how to sort this problem out.

I'll message you the link as I cannot post links in comments.

[ck101085]

brilliant vid mate im just about to start my electrician training and being taught like youve have just taught is top class thanks

[ultimatehandyman]

@ck101085

Thanks for the comment. You will have to use a GS38 approved voltage tester when testing for dead. I only use the screwdriver and non touch tester as they are items that most diyers will already own. You'll also have to lock off the supply, then it can't be accidentaly switched back on. Good luck with your training ;-)

[Harrysound]

Good stuff son keep it up

[ultimatehandyman]

@Harrysound

Thanks for the comment!

[ultimatehandyman]

@HeavyBeatsUK

You are welcome.

Thanks for the comment!

[shanebh007]

Can some one please help me I have 3 earth wires, which wago clip do I need, please help all me wires are just hanging down, I need to sort this out asap, so I have 3 earth wires 3 reds 3 blacks but one is my switch wire, thanks alot, my email address is moneycatcher23@yahoo.co.uk

[ultimatehandyman]

@shanebh007

I'll pm you the link to the video that you need.

[wallygerk]

little tip when taking down the ceiling rose cut the exposed copper off the switchline that way if the sleeving slides off whilst you pull the ceiling rose off you still have your switchline identified. good video but dont like using them poxy screwdrivers to prove a dead circuit.

[ultimatehandyman]

@wallygerk

I don't use those screwdrivers either, but I doub't many people will go and spend £40+ for a dedicated voltage tester. I'm in the process of making a video using an approved voltage tester, which I should be able to insert into the current video, with a bit of luck. Thanks for the comment!

[Madness832]

Quite interesting from an American POV. So the cables just feed into a hole in the ceiling; the "rose" is surface-mounted on top of that; the wires connect to a junction block; & the fixture just hangs from the rose on its cable via strain-reliefs. The States would require a flush-mounted junction box in the ceiling. The cables are brought in there & spliced to each other &/or the light fixture w/ wire nuts (twist-on connectors). Then the fixture (or bracket) is screwed to the bottom of the box.

[ultimatehandyman]

@Madness832

Yes, there seems to be s huge difference in the way that we do things. I have never seen wire nuts in the UK. Ceiling roses are common because they are cheap, most people remove them and fit another type of light.

[colski222]

Any electrical work i carry out in the home i just turn the whole power off from the junction box should that not suffice before carrying out any work in the home.

[ultimatehandyman]

@colski222

In most cases switching off the main swittch on the consumer unit will suffice, but you still need to test to ensure it is isolated correctly. The main switch could be faulty, or there have been some cases where one house has been connected to the electricity supply of the house next door!

[MrLuke6593]

there is noo need to do all that all you have too do is ensure your rcds are all off

[ultimatehandyman]

@MrLuke6593

You mean MCB's?

[seedfreed]

those products your testing with can not be trusted 100% , only a an ac volt tester can . also you failed to mention that 9 times out of ten the switch wire is not marked with red tape and is just black .

[ultimatehandyman]

@seedfreed

These videos are aimed at DIY'ers who will not go out and buy a dedicated volt meter at £40+ and so I try to demonstrate how to check for dead using equipment that they might own. If you watch at 3:38 I tell people to ensure that the switched live wire is identified with either sleeving or tape.

[Hotlips4000isback]

Some of the info in this video is helpful, other parts are not ;(

Trying to fit two new light fitments in my flat, still having no luck.

One is a spotlight like this one, (but it's plastic) the other is a Chandelier style for my Hallway.

Can you help me out?, i will go into more detail if you do! ;)

* P.S. I'm in the UK! ;) *

[ultimatehandyman]

@Hotlips4000isback

If you follow the links on my videos, it will take you to my website. If you join the forum and ask the question in the forum, one of the sparks will help you out ;-)

[Hotlips4000isback]

@ultimatehandyman Thanks for the reply, i looked on you're website last night, some great Videos there! ;)

From the videos/help from B&Q staff, i think i have worked it out and will fit them tmr.

Will inform you of how i get on later. ;)

[pimpybrad]

Ohh right I see where you coming from mate. I have just finished Training as an Electrician so I'm still picking bits up sorta thing & these Videos are Fantastic! Keep up the good Work & make sure you Post loads of Electrical Videos. :)

[ultimatehandyman]

@pimpybrad

Well done for completing your electrical training!

I have lots more electrical videos planned and will get them filmed and uploaded as soon as I get chance. Thanks for the comments!

[pimpybrad]

Excellent Video again, but he should have used a Multimeter/Voltage Tester because them screwdrivers are classed as incompetetnt for Electricians.

[ultimatehandyman]

@pimpybrad

That is right, a professional electrician would have to use a dedicated volt meter, but a DIY'er would probably not buy one at about £40 and so I try to use equipment that a diy'er would own. You can't even use a multimeter for testing for dead, it has to be a dedicated volt meter.

[sadoldgeorge]

@ultimatehandyman

A multimeter is one of the preferred methods for checking for live voltages. Just set to AC volts and away you go... Do NOT use a neon screwdriver..

[ultimatehandyman]

@sadoldgeorge

I do not use Neon screwdrivers.

A multi meter is not preferred for testing for dead, a volt meter is preferred!

[sadoldgeorge]

@ultimatehandyman

Multimeter set to volts AC , what is that if NOT a voltmeter ???

[ultimatehandyman]

@sadoldgeorge

A multimeter set to ac volts is still a multimeter!

[sadoldgeorge]

@ultimatehandyman

Multimeter on AC volts range = VOLTMETER... You idiot

[ultimatehandyman]

@sadoldgeorge

I think you need to go back to school.

You have been servicing electrical equipment for 40 years, but on your youtube profile you have the age of 17 and you choose to call me an idiot! PMSL

[sadoldgeorge]

@ultimatehandyman

"it has to be a dedicated volt meter." Please explain EXACTLY why this statement is true? I have been servicing electronic equipment for 40 years and have NEVER used a dedicated meter for voltage measurements. The old AVO model 8 still works to this day on AC volts...So how do you substantiate your statement?

[ultimatehandyman]

@sadoldgeorge

In the old days you could use a multi meter or any other meter that can measure volts, but now many places insist on you using a dedicated volt meter, that must be tested before and after isolation. I have been told that with a multi-meter there is a chance that the switch could be in the incorrect position!

[sadoldgeorge]

@ultimatehandyman

So multimeters cant be used ???

Can you tell me of anywhere that INSISTS you use a dedicated voltmeter?

[ultimatehandyman]

@sadoldgeorge

I suggest you have a look at the HSE website, which clearly states that when proving for dead you must not use multi-meters.

[vips02]

Excellent!!Thanks for the Tutorial Mate!

[ultimatehandyman]

@vips02

You are welcome, thanks for the comment!

[vips02]

Excellent!!Thanks for the Tutorial Mate!

[mrsparky786]

Thanks for making this video Ultimate Handyman. I am a trainee electrician and video's like this are really helpful. Thanks again.

[ultimatehandyman]

@ mrsparky786

You are welcome, Good luck with the training! Thanks for the comments!

[mrsparky786]

What's a switch wire switch live, i dont understand.

[ultimatehandyman]

@ mrsparky786

This video should make it a bit clearer about the switched live wire-

/watch?v=0MLshqOmltU