Problem light fittings

[Tysernans2018]

Hi I have an upstairs light fitting and a downstairs light fitting, hall and landing. Upstairs fitting switched on and off by landing switch and downstairs switch. Both fittings were removed for decorating. When upstairs fitting reconnected, only live neutral and earth, and downstairs fitting reconnected, only live and neutral, the upstairs fitting will not now switch on from upstairs switch unless downstairs light is on. Nether switches have been tampered with, I'm baffled? Any ideas please?

 

[Dave OCD]

What he and I both mean is that the earth in the connector block should be connected to the fitting, you can see the little metal tab on the fitting designed to be connected to the spare half of the block that the earth conductor is terminated in.

 

[brianmoooore]

What I mean is any half competent DIYer can install a light, socket or appliance so that it 'works'.
That's the easy bit. What we have to do is install it so that whatever goes wrong, or whatever combination of things go wrong in the future, the electrics remain safe, with no danger of electrocution or fire, and that if the fault warrants it, the circuit disconnects itself from the power in the required time, preferably without affecting the rest of the installation.

 

[Grant1987]

brianmoooore what do you mean?

The thing is Brian is trying to say that “DIY DAVE” should not be potching about with electrics and then coming on here asking for answers. The work should have been carried out by a qualified and competent electrician would have saved you the hassle of coming on here and asking what “DAVE” done wrong

 

[loz2754]

As an aside, the connector block where the CPC [earth wire] is terminated on the downstairs light should be connected to the small metal tab on your light fitting to earth it.

Agreed. The connector block middle connector will have been connected to the tab at the bottom of the cover of the light fitting. This should be reconnected, otherwise you have an unearthed Class I fitting.

 

[Tysernans2018]

What he and I both mean is that the earth in the connector block should be connected to the fitting, you can see the little metal tab on the fitting designed to be connected to the spare half of the block that the earth conductor is terminated in.

I understand that, and appreciate what your saying but my point is the lights were working perfectly before I removed the fittings, I haven't touched any of the mains wiring so moving the earth out of the connector block and putting it where you suggest won't remedy the situation will it?

 

[brianmoooore]

I understand that, and appreciate what your saying but my point is the lights were working perfectly before I removed the fittings, I haven't touched any of the mains wiring so moving the earth out of the connector block and putting it where you suggest won't remedy the situation will it?

No, but if you think that it was acceptable for the earth to be disconnected, and didn't spot immediately where it had detached itself from, it lends weight to the theory that you may be in danger of getting out of your depth.
The problem is most likely to be a detached wire behind a disturbed switch.

 

[Grant1987]

I understand that, and appreciate what your saying but my point is the lights were working perfectly before I removed the fittings, I haven't touched any of the mains wiring so moving the earth out of the connector block and putting it where you suggest won't remedy the situation will it?

I would not be concerned about the light not working I would be more concerned about the fact the light fitting is not earthed. Get an electrician in simple.

 

[Tysernans2018]

The thing is Brian is trying to say that “DIY DAVE” should not be potching about with electrics and then coming on here asking for answers. The work should have been carried out by a qualified and competent electrician would have saved you the hassle of coming on here and asking what “DAVE” done wrong

If you've got nothing helpful to say apart from being sarcastic and condescending then don't bother, --------!

 

[Grant1987]

If you've got nothing helpful to say apart from being sarcastic and condescending then don't bother, --------!

I think it’s best I don’t bother then. Same as I think you need an electrician in or don’t bother writing on here

 

[Dave OCD]

DIYer with the readers digest book of how to wire your house

I understand that, and appreciate what your saying but my point is the lights were working perfectly before I removed the fittings, I haven't touched any of the mains wiring so moving the earth out of the connector block and putting it where you suggest won't remedy the situation will it?

No it won't but it might stop you getting a nasty shock or worse from an unearthed metal light fitting. I made it clear that this was something else I noticed in addition to your original problem. It's ok I'll give up now. Good luck.

 

[FatAlan]

Earthing issues aside. If everything is the same it will either be a bad reconnection in the connector block or an actual fault with the light itself ie the bulb has gone.
Other than that you can spend time on acquainting yourself with the delights and variations of two way switching on domestic lighting circuits.