advice needed

[wilkyduch]

I have a small terrace where all the lights (up and down are on the same circuit) a total of 8 lights and presumably, all connected together
For some reason, the lights in the kitchen and bathroom have now stopped working.
I’m sure that these two light are joined in a junction box which then connects to the lights in the front room and then into the consumer unit at the front of the house.
The junction box is behind the ceiling and has not been disturbed. I’ve just changed the front light nearest the consumer unit and it blew (loose wire when I was fixing it back to the ceiling) Anyway, this light now doesn’t work yet the others its connected to do i.e. upstairs and in the back room. Is this the cause of no lights in the kitchen bathroom or could there be another reason. For me this is frustrating but also very intriguing so any info on how this lighting circuit works would be appreciated.
Thank you.

 

[nickblake]

Does sound like a loose wire or incorrectly wired you should have what we call loop in and loop out ,and then switch , sometimes this is done using a JB or at the light fitting , what you need to do is to carry out an R1&R2 test this will confirm continuity of the live and cpc check this at every point in the circuit untill you get to the section thats not working and check this point and the last point thats working if the reading are ok the repeat the test using the Rn and R2 this will then confirm the neutral connections , if you have any doubts or feel this type of work is beyond your capabilities then call a spark who will probable sort it out very quickly

 

[malcolmsanford]

It is nearly impossible to diagnose your problem really, you have two lights that stopped working did this happen before or after your attempt to change the light nearest the CU?

If it was before then it would seem you have lost either the LINE/NEUTRAL loop feeding these these lights, for whatever reason.

If it was after the light change then you may have not connected the LIVE/NEUTRAL loop feeding these lights.

It may be something totally different the only way to tell is to start fault finding. If your an acomplished DIY'er you may with a multi-meter try and start to bell out the circuit, after you have safely isolated it, to find out how and where the circuit is wired.

If your not I suggest you may have to call in a local electrician who will sort it out. chances are that it may be something quite simple for him/her and not be as expensive as you think. If you post your location you may even get one of the lads on here able to pop round and help

 

[pushrod]

Lighting is not always as straight forward as you might think as it can be done in different ways but any of them can kill or start fires if they go wrong - i'd call a spark if you know one, or get a recommendation from a friend for one, and get it all checked out for your peace of mind.

 

[wilkyduch]

Thanks for you advice.
Believe it or not, although im a bit long in the tooth Im trying to retrain as an electrician. Ive just passed my 17 edition but I havent much experience so I know my limits safety wise. Im trying to understand problems before I call the electrician and to absorb as much info as possible. So although some of my questions might sound a bit dangerous this is the reason. Thanks for your patience

 

[malcolmsanford]

Thanks for you advice.
Believe it or not, although im a bit long in the tooth Im trying to retrain as an electrician. Ive just passed my 17 edition but I havent much experience so I know my limits safety wise. Im trying to understand problems before I call the electrician and to absorb as much info as possible. So although some of my questions might sound a bit dangerous this is the reason. Thanks for your patience

Well welcome back into the trade and as you will have some knowledge of electrical installation then I have no worries that your not going to kill yourself.

Wiring Systems and Fault Finding: For Installation Electricians: Amazon.co.uk: Brian Scaddan IEng; MIIE (elec): Books

I would gwt this book, it maybe a little Jack & Jill but to be honest if your struggling with a domestic lighting circuit this may give you a starting place

 

[pushrod]

This is your basic 2 way switch diagram

and have a read of THIS thread - it should have some useful background info.

Then get your continuity/resistance tester out, remember to isolate at the CU and stay safe