Making a ceiling light cable safe for plasterer

[Rob2017]

Hi there,

I'm a homeowner looking to get an Artex'd ceiling boarded and skimmed by a plasterer. The ceiling has a standard ceiling light in the middle of it, which I'll need to remove and then reattach slightly lower after the plastering job.

What would you recommend to do to make the wiring safe while the plastering job takes place?

I'll switch off the circuit at the main while I'm doing the electrical work, so I'll be safe then, but ideally we'd be able to switch that main back on again so the other room lights work.

I understand it's possible to terminate the light wiring into something and have it be safe while the circuit is on, but I'm not sure what that product is. Is this what I'm after?
https://www.screwfix.com/c/electrical-lighting/terminal-strips-blocks/cat830486

Alternatively if you think this is too dangerous for a non-electrician, let me know!

Many thanks!
Rob

 

[telectrix]

that's a simple straightforward job.

 

[Squid]

How many lights are in the room as it looks like the live is fed from the switch (or the socket by the fireplace)

That is a nasty looking ceiling BTW glad you getting rid.

 

[Rob2017]

that's a simple straightforward job.

glad to hear it! turn off at consumer unit, remove the light housing, tape up the cable ends temporarily, keep the unit off while plastering, then reattach afterwards?

How many lights are in the room as it looks like the live is fed from the switch (or the socket by the fireplace)

That is a nasty looking ceiling BTW glad you getting rid.

haha yes, that's just one of many nasty ceilings in this house!

There's only one light on that particular switch. But that switch is part of a three-gang, which also connects to two overhead lights in a different section of the room, and also the kitchen downlights on the other side of the door (sounds weird now I'm writing that down, but it works!).

 

[Squid]

So it looks like the live is fed to the switch,

 

[Taylortwocities]

Oh good. Simple.

Turn power off at consumer unit. Turn off the MAIN SWITCH is safest.
You'll need a bit of insulated choc block.

Undo the wires and remove the ceiling rose.
Just put the 3 conductors into separate terminals in the choc block.
Sorted

NOTE: The ceiling rose will be screwed into a wooden joist or noggin.
Make sure the plasterer notes where these are, or you'll not have a firm footing when you come to replace.

 

[Taylortwocities]

tape up the cable ends temporarily,

NO NO NO
Tape falls off, especialy when exposed to plasterers.
Use insulated teminal block.

 

[Rob2017]

NO NO NO
Tape falls off, especialy when exposed to plasterers.
Use insulated teminal block.

that's what I meant

thanks everyone!

 

[Squid]

I'd leave it live might "energise" the plasterer in to working faster..........

 

[telectrix]

NO NO NO
Tape falls off, especialy when exposed to plasterers.
Use insulated teminal block.

no fun watching muck spreader falling off ladder there.

 

[pirate]

Was I the only one wondering why you'd make it safe...for a plasterer???

 

[telectrix]

plasterers should be on metal steps with an earthed static band on their john thomas. that might just stop them slicing cables.

 

[Taylortwocities]

They are little treasures

And

Should

Be

BURIED!!