Loft light conundrum

[Topia]

Hello,

I am having issues getting my head around this.

So, I want to install a single ceiling light and switch in the loft.

The loft access is in the middle of the upstairs landing.

There is already downlights across the whole of upstairs landing.

Therefore there are T&E cables up in the loft looping in and out of each one.

Please kindly correct me if the below process is wrong.

I was thinking cut split the wire from landing switch to the first downlight, adding wago connectors to connect the split wires, first downlight wire, and a new 1.5mm T&E cable of new switch for the loft light - All into 1 wago junction box.

Then connecting another 1.5mm T&E cable from the switch to the light. Done.

Is this correct or completely wrong?

Many thanks,
Topia

 

[Pete999]

Doing it that way unless they have looped in and out at the switch you will be minus a N, best way pick up an L and N from one of the lights take to new switch position and fro there to the light in the loft use wagons in the switch box for the N

 

[Ian1981]

Most likely the cables looping in and out of the down lights are only switch line and neutral cables so do not contain a permanent line conductor if you require the loft light to be independently switched

 

[littlespark]

Agree. You need a permanent live and neutral. The cables going to lights will be switched live and neutral.

Depending on how old the house is and how it’s been wired, there may be a permanent at one of the lights... is there one with three or more T&E cables at it?
It may have been wired with the L & N at the switch, which may be tricky to get a cable down to.
Another method would be central joint box.... common in older properties, but perm live and neutral in one place.

Mains powered smoke detectors will also have an L and N but also an interconnect between them. Tiny terminal box, so add a small joint box in attic above.

 

[buzzlightyear]

I would be advisable to get in a spark to put the cable and light for you .

 

[The Ghost]

You can't take a supply for a light from the switch wire. You would need to identify the supply wire to the nearest convenient light supply.

 

[telectrix]

Hello,

I am having issues getting my head around this.

So, I want to install a single ceiling light and switch in the loft.

The loft access is in the middle of the upstairs landing.

There is already downlights across the whole of upstairs landing.

Therefore there are T&E cables up in the loft looping in and out of each one.

Please kindly correct me if the below process is wrong.

I was thinking cut split the wire from landing switch to the first downlight, adding wago connectors to connect the split wires, first downlight wire, and a new 1.5mm T&E cable of new switch for the loft light - All into 1 wago junction box.

Then connecting another 1.5mm T&E cable from the switch to the light. Done.

Is this correct or completely wrong?

Many thanks,
Topia

with all due respect, you are clueless. get an electrician.

 

[Silly Sausage]

with all due respect, you are clueless. get an electrician.

say it like it is, Tel!

 

[telectrix]

say it like it is, Tel!

that's me. straight and to the point why faff about with crap.that's for the faceache and pi$$togram addicts.

 

[45140]

Hello,
I am having issues getting my head around this. ,
Topia

Whilst this is a pretty simple straightforward job to a trained electrician, lighting circuits can be complicated to someone who is not aware of the exact detail.

As has been already suggested, I would recommend that you engage a competent electrician to do the work because (a) it will save you a lot of potential stress and hassle, especially if you break into the circuit in the worng way/place, and (b) in the event of something happening you may find your insurance is invalidated because you are not a skilled and competent person as required by BS7671

 

[telectrix]

Whilst this is a pretty simple straightforward job to a trained electrician, lighting circuits can be complicated to someone who is not aware of the exact detail.

As has been already suggested, I would recommend that you engage a competent electrician to do the work because (a) it will save you a lot of potential stress and hassle, especially if you break into the circuit in the worng way/place, and (b) in the event of something happening you may find your insurance is invalidated because you are not a skilled and competent person as required by BS7671

or he could end up dead.

 

[magnoliafan89]

or he could end up dead.

Pffftt details details....

 

[Starjack]

with all due respect, you are clueless. get an electrician.

If I had said that I would have been dragged outside the Arms and Bummed with Boot.
It's just not fair.

 

[ruston]

If I had said that I would have been dragged outside the Arms and Bummed with Boot.
It's just not fair.

Na , he did say "With all due respect".

 

[MJPD29]

It is completley wrong your either going to end up with no neutral, your kept light turning on with your landing lights, or your just going to hurt yourself