Looking for wiring advice

MickDGT · Apr 15, 2019

Please see attached photo.

This is the wiring in our bathroom. I've just removed the light fitting that was installed when the house was built and this is what is behind it. It doesn't look right to me. It appears the original fitting was installed using the black, blue and grey wires, but I didn't take proper notice of how as I wasn't expecting to see something that appears to me to be non-standard.

Does anybody have any idea why this would be done in this way? Is it safe? Can I just wire up a new light fitting to those wires?

Thanks in advance.

[ElectriciansForums.net] Looking for wiring advice

Dustydazzler · Apr 15, 2019

You will need a multimeter to work out which is perm live (most likely the browns in this case) which is swi live and which is N

Never ever assume what does what

Get a sparks in if you are not completely happy

h901 · Apr 15, 2019

The black and grey cables are most likely for the extractor fan

Pete999 · Apr 15, 2019

Where in the UK are you situated? a member local to you may offer to help.

MickDGT · Apr 15, 2019

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm in Gloucester. I'm no electrician, clearly, so getting someone who knows what they are doing seems the obvious solution.

Charlie_ · Apr 15, 2019

That 1 fixing doesn’t look so good

Dustydazzler · Apr 15, 2019

Charlie_ said:
That 1 fixing doesn’t look so good

Standard new build , they were lucky to get the single red masonry plug, many new builds I see are screwed straight into the plasterboard

Intoelectrics · Apr 15, 2019

There could be a few reasons this has been done this way. Most likely to do with an extractor fan, since its in the bathroom. Get a qualified electrician in to check it out and advise you on whether its correct and safe.

MickDGT · Apr 15, 2019

Intoelectrics said:
There could be a few reasons this has been done this way. Most likely to do with an extractor fan, since its in the bathroom. Get a qualified electrician in to check it out and advise you on whether its correct and safe.

There is an extractor in the bathroom, so I guess that's the reason here. I think getting a professional in is the best advice, thanks for your help.

telectrix · Apr 15, 2019

could always dig up pete 999. he very good spark and in your area.

Red Tony · Apr 18, 2019

A ruff ruff job that

Charlie_ said:
That 1 fixing doesn’t look so good

Tbf it may have another Rawl plug out of picture as it was a bathroom light not a ceiling rose.......
At least I'm assuming it wasn't a ceiling rose in the bathroom.......

MickDGT · Apr 18, 2019

Yes it was a bathroom light and not a ceiling rose. I got an electrician to come in and sort the problem out. It was just a matter of them finding the lives and neutral as pointed out by Dustydazzler.

Thanks again to everyone who commented.

Charlie_ · Apr 18, 2019

Did you use the forum directory to find an electrician?

MickDGT · Apr 18, 2019

No I called a friend who recommended someone they trusted. As ever, it's a lottery when hiring tradesman so I thought a trusted recommendation would be the best option.

Deleted member 26818 · Apr 18, 2019

I would imagine the Blue is the neutral to the light, and either the Black or Grey is the switched live to the light, the other being the neutral to the fan.