How to wire IKEA light pendant

Jen Jackson · Feb 10, 2019

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!

[ElectriciansForums.net] How to wire IKEA light pendant

Barnaby Stedman · Feb 10, 2019

Jen - Firstly you need to be able to understand a loop-in wiring system. this would solve all your problems. you cannot blame the ikea light!!! as any double insulated light fitting will have a connector like that one. this is an example of the sort of thing you have come across here:

Deleted member 105166 · Feb 10, 2019

@Barnaby Stedman , be careful buddy, this may constitute "step by step" instructions, which the form disallows.

Barnaby Stedman · Feb 10, 2019

sorry about that Tony - i wasn't suggesting a diy job! just simply trying to help Jen understand why there isn't always just a L & N sticking through the ceiling!

dinger809 · Feb 10, 2019

That looks like an old style two way switching system. The single wire is the switch line. It was how things were done prior to 3C &E cables coming along. It’s done the same way as doing two way in singles.
I recommend getting a good (old) electrician who remembers it.

MJPD29 · Feb 10, 2019

Oh dear, should have marked the switch live before you disconnected all of them, without a decent voltage tester you are going to struggle

Gavin John Hyde · Feb 10, 2019

Get a couple of these a month. With many ikea lights you can fit the cowling or base over the existing rose. Makes for an easy life.
Either way, time to call an electrician

FatAlan · Feb 10, 2019

I’d blame IKEA. Never understood why people travel miles to get to one of their stores.

Silly Sausage · Feb 11, 2019

FatAlan said:
I’d blame IKEA. Never understood why people travel miles to get to one of their stores.

You drop the wife off then go down here for a couple ...
Beerhouses | Stalybridge Buffet Bar - http://www.beerhouses.co.uk/pub/stalybridge-buffet-bar/
IKEA is good

Deleted member 9648 · Feb 11, 2019

FatAlan said:
I’d blame IKEA. Never understood why people travel miles to get to one of their stores.

Just bought two of their wardrobes to link together along a 3m span of wall, took me a whole weekend to put the thing together. But was really impressed with the quality of the whole package, went together really well,looks great and solid as a rock.

ackbarthestar · Feb 11, 2019

TonyMitchell said:
@Barnaby Stedman , be careful buddy, this may constitute "step by step" instructions, which the form disallows.

I assume that if a memebr of this forum gives 'step by step' technical advice to a person who is not competent then the forum owners might be held responsible for any problems that would occur if the non-competent person attempted the work and then suffered electrocution, injury and or damage to property as a result?

Deleted member 26818 · Feb 11, 2019

Probably get an answer on the Screwfix forum.

peterhyper · Feb 11, 2019

spinlondon said:
Probably get an answer on the Screwfix forum.

I didn't think that existed anymore?

Deleted member 26818 · Feb 11, 2019

peterhyper said:
I didn't think that existed anymore?

Oh yes.
Someone recently resurrected a thread from 2012 where I had given step by step instructions on how to work out which black wire is the switched live without testing equipment.