Which switch and which wires to connect?

Discussion in 'Electricians' Talk' started by Surj, Oct 4, 2008.

  1. Surj

    Surj New Member

    Hi,

    I have a security PIR light that is wired to a conventional plug/socket in my wall (inherited from previous house's owner) and I want to install a switch in a more convenient place for it.

    I'm guessing that I can take some of the wires into a suitable switch and then onwards to the light itself, but I need to know which specification of switch I should be using and also which wires to connect to which terminals on the switch i.e. live to L1 etc.

    All help is appreciated.

    Thanks
     
  2. part.p

    part.p New Member

    Fit a switched FCU fused to 5 Amps next to the socket currently feeding your light.

    Turn on and off from here , or fit a light switch after this if you want a better position.
     
  3. MR DIAZ

    MR DIAZ Active Member

    Good morning Part.p
     
  4. Surj

    Surj New Member

    Hi

    A switched FCU it is then.

    Which connections will I need to make within the FCU?
     
  5. part.p

    part.p New Member

    Good morning Part.p

    Good morning Mr D.

    Ice on flat roof this morning, I love this country!!
     
  6. part.p

    part.p New Member

    Surj i hope you would know the answer to that one?
     
  7. Surj

    Surj New Member

    I suspect I know but I would like confirmation that's all.

    I would've thought that I'd need to connect the live, neutral and earth within the FCU and connect them to the wiring going out to the light.

    Is this correct? :)
     
  8. part.p

    part.p New Member

    Surj-When you go to the DIY Store get a switched FCU in a packet with <u>installation directions</u> inside it.

    I trust you can tell your Feeds from your loads
     
  9. Surj

    Surj New Member

    That's what I'm hoping to do shortly.
    I understand the feeds to be the inbound power source and the load in this case to be the light and it's wiring.
     
  10. part.p

    part.p New Member

    Yes ,
    live neutral and earth from socket to feed side of fcu

    L , N, E on load side of FCU to light.

    Sleeve Earths test and bobs your aunty joe.

    Dont forget to change fuse to 5 amp and mark 5 amp only.
     
  11. Surj

    Surj New Member

    That's excellent. I'll be sure to insulate the earths and fuse appropriately.

    Thanks for your help.
     
  12. part.p

    part.p New Member

    Parting thought dont forget to turn the juice off!!!!!

    SHOCKING.
     
  13. unphased

    unphased Screwfix Select

    Now, if you knew what you were doing you could install the switched fcu as a spur for isolation purposes and an additional wall switch as on override on the PIR to manually switch the thing on. Thats what I have on my rear PIR lights. :)
     
  14. Surj

    Surj New Member

    Unphased- Care to explain how I would go about doing that?
    I've not yet started the job.
     
  15. JP.

    JP. Screwfix Select

    Use a two way single gang lightswitch, and cable the security light in 3c + E.

    Off = normal light operation

    On = override light operation.

    Saves all that faffing about when you have to flip the switch and stuff.
     
  16. JP.

    JP. Screwfix Select

    Don't forget this is all after the FCU.
     
  17. unphased

    unphased Screwfix Select

    Yes JP is krekt.

    You need to get a permanent live to the PIR direct, plus a neutral. This is achieved by wiring direct from the load side of the spur you install next to the switch. However, if you introduce a switch between the spur and the PIR you then need an extra wire used as a switch live from this additional switch. Easiest is to loop the live off the common in the switch, link the neutral in the switch on a single connector and take the switched live direct to the SL side in the PIR terminal. Usually (but need to check) the SL in the PIR is the red wire, whereas L and N the normal brown and blue. You will need a 3-core or twin and single wire from your added switch to the PIR or it cannot be done.
     
  18. Surj

    Surj New Member

    Excellent, thanks for the clarification.

    That seems a bit much for my application so I'll give it a miss in favour of the initial recommendation.

    Thanks :)
     
  19. Lokkars Daisy

    Lokkars Daisy New Member

    Wheels and bobs gonna tinkle
    Bobs and Dobs gonna finkle
    when I get yer out in my Suri
    with the fringe on top
     
  20. JP.

    JP. Screwfix Select

    Flippin heck LD.

    :^O

    Brilliant.
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice