Opinions on Wiring the lighting circuit at the 'switch' or ' at the 'light'

[srl-8]

Evening All,


I will be installing a new lighting circuit in new garage/bedroom conversion.

I usually always wire my feed/switch line/ loop etc at the pendent or first down lighter, However as you all know you can take the feed direct to the switch (s), and then off to the first light.

Can I ask, what are the advantages/ disadvantages of these two wiring options.

Does anyone have a preference or opinion. ?

Thanks

 

[Pete999]

Evening All,


I will be installing a new lighting circuit in new garage/bedroom conversion.

I usually always wire my feed/switch line/ loop etc at the pendent or first down lighter, However as you all know you can take the feed direct to the switch (s), and then off to the first light.

Can I ask, what are the advantages/ disadvantages of these two wiring options.

Does anyone have a preference or opinion. ?

Thanks

Taking the live pair to the switch has an advantage of less cables at the light position, personally I don't like doing it. I'm old school and my preference is the old loop in/out method.

 

[Guest77]

I prefer to wire through switches if downlighters or track lights are used due to too many wires, just like pete mentioned, if pendants then 3 plate preffered here as well, as it is a garage, who cares get on with it

 

[trev]

Wow it's a while since we had this discussion.
3 plate at the light for me, I prefer it because the joint box you're using is made for it whereas a switch box isn't really meant to be crammed with wagos.
Just my personal preference though.

 

[Guest55]

loop in & out at switch always.

this means more of the connections in the circuit are done on the ground rather than on steps.

and makes moving a light so much simpler.

 

[srl-8]

Thanks guys, I will be installing a timed bathroom fan as well. so 3 cables at a switch can get a bit of a tight squeeze... Humm , ill see how I feel on the day. maybe switch...maybe light..

Cheers

 

[Hawk81]

Either way is fine. I do what ever works best for each job. The hager switch stops the need for any wagos
Hager - sollysta

 

[7029 dave]

What ever is best for the situation.

 

[Guest77]

Thanks guys, I will be installing a timed bathroom fan as well. so 3 cables at a switch can get a bit of a tight squeeze... Humm , ill see how I feel on the day. maybe switch...maybe light..

Cheers

Good man, you asked a sensible question and got some variable answers, you replied promply and nicely and thanked everyone, I wish all posters were like you, good on you.

 

[Deleted member 9648]

As above,whatever suits the situation. Up to about 20 years ago the practice of taking a N to a switch was frowned upon,gradually this began to change when nobody could remember why it was frowned upon.

 

[Octopus]

Thanks guys, I will be installing a timed bathroom fan as well. so 3 cables at a switch can get a bit of a tight squeeze... Humm , ill see how I feel on the day. maybe switch...maybe light..

Cheers

Use 35mm boxes and all will be ok, 47mm if necessary

 

[Resu]

Thanks guys, I will be installing a timed bathroom fan as well. so 3 cables at a switch can get a bit of a tight squeeze... Humm , ill see how I feel on the day. maybe switch...maybe light..

Cheers

Ha, try wiring a 6 gang switch with varying 2-ways, intermediates, etc, looping at the switch!

 

[Octopus]

Ha, try wiring a 6 gang switch with varying 2-ways, intermediates, etc, looping at the switch!

got an 8 way like this in our kitchen diner, then 2 x more 4 way switches! Not difficult!

 

[Knobhead]

Thanks guys, I will be installing a timed bathroom fan as well. so 3 cables at a switch can get a bit of a tight squeeze... Humm , ill see how I feel on the day. maybe switch...maybe light..

Cheers

Good man, you asked a sensible question and got some variable answers, you replied promply and nicely and thanked everyone, I wish all posters were like you, good on you.

But no mention of the fan in the first “sensible” question.

 

[Maddison]

:double ****::double ****::double ****:

Ha, try wiring a 6 gang switch with varying 2-ways, intermediates, etc, looping at the switch![/QUOTE

prrety standard practice when your an electrician