Why a PL to this light?

HappyHippyDad · Jun 18, 2021

Could anyone tell me why there is a PL terminal for this light? Most domestic ceiling roses have a PL block in order to link in and out, but this light actually has a 3 core and earth going to it. This is not domestic, it is going to be a new charity shop.

[ElectriciansForums.net] Why a PL to this light?

littlespark · Jun 18, 2021

Emergency light permanent feed.

westward10 · Jun 18, 2021

As above. It is common practice just to run a PL around the circuit and just utilise it where necessary.

HappyHippyDad · Jun 18, 2021

Thankyou both

snowhead · Jun 18, 2021

The red cap indicates the PL is (or could be ) there.
3 pin pug = White
4 pin plug = Red

HappyHippyDad · Jun 18, 2021

So is the emergency light located within the light you see in the picture? I'm guessing it must be, otherwise there would be know point in a PL going to it to charge the battery?
The reason I ask, is because when I switch power off, no emergency light comes on. I also can't see any emergency light. At least not in the same room. Another emergency light in a different room comes on though.

littlespark · Jun 18, 2021

Emergency lights will have an LED usually red to indicate charging, and will be heavier due to the battery’s. Some have a remote battery pack that would sit on top of a normal fitting.
the emergency part of the fitting may only light up one of the four tubes.

you’ll have to get into that fitting to see if it’s emergency or not

westward10 · Jun 18, 2021

Charge indicators are now green. It may not be an emergency the PL may be floating in the fitting the only way to find out is to remove the diffuser as sometimes the charge indicator can be hidden when someone removes and replaces it. Klix produce ready made plugs and cord sets so maybe they just fitted those everywhere although that would be unusual.

littlespark · Jun 18, 2021

I was looking at the apparent age of the fitting to determine the charge light colour.

I would find it unusual to to use red 4 pole throughout…. Red for em, white for normal.

westward10 · Jun 18, 2021

I have seen the four pole sockets used throughout with the PL with different red or white plugs fitted as the white plug does fit the four pole socket.

WallaceP · Jun 18, 2021

westward10 said:
Charge indicators are now green. It may not be an emergency the PL may be floating in the fitting the only way to find out is to remove the diffuser as sometimes the charge indicator can be hidden when someone removes and replaces it. Klix produce ready made plugs and cord sets so maybe they just fitted those everywhere although that would be unusual.

I had a man from the council try to tell a client that a red indicator shows a fault and he suggested the client should find a better electrician who would have advised her this was needing replaced! ?