idiot proof instructions needed - install a ceiling light

[jab]

Hi there

We wanted to install a ceiling light and my other half attempted this by removing the old one and getting the wires out which were placed in a plastic ring with lines, loops and similar (sorry I don't know the technical term) - it's been a bit of a disaster as now we're stuck not knowing how to fix the light to the ceiling at all. He doesn't know how the plastic ring was put together with the wires.

There are currently 6 wires coming out of the ceiling, two red, two black and two earth ones. The new light fixtures has a red and a blue one.

Can this be fixed at all, any help would be greatly appreciated! If instructions could be given 'idiot proof' as we're new to DIY.


wires coming out of ceiling



wires from new ceiling light



came with new ceiling light (not in previous light fixture)


what my other half removed from ceiling where the wires were looped in

 

[Andy™]

first youll need to find out which one is the switch and which one is the perm live... youll need some test equipment for this. basic multimeter will work

of course, its much easier to mark them before you pull them all apart...

 

[poni]

if its on its own
then connect both reds by them selves in the loop and connect the new brown/ line and blue/N one to each black, then the green/yellow to the brass terminal with the funny looking symbol

 

[jab]

if its on its own
then connect both reds by them selves in the loop and connect the new brown/ line and blue/N one to each black, then the green/yellow to the brass terminal with the funny looking symbol

thank you! what do I do with the earth ones? just leave the two as they are?

 

[Andy™]

if its on its own
then connect both reds by them selves in the loop and connect the new brown/ line and blue/N one to each black, then the green/yellow to the brass terminal with the funny looking symbol

and ignore the polarity if its an ES holder?

 

[poni]

thank you! what do I do with the earth ones? just leave the two as they are?

then the two green/yellow (earth cables) to the brass terminal with the funny looking symbol (earth) if your new light is double insulated then you don't need it, but they must be connected together,
if the new light has the same symbol then they need to be connected to that terminal

 

[poni]

and ignore the polarity if its an ES holder?

all new ones it don't matter

 

[Mike.J]

Did either of the black wires from the ceiling have a red sleeve on it? if so that is the switched live and goes to the light.

 

[Fleeting]

if its on its own
then connect both reds by them selves in the loop and connect the new brown/ line and blue/N one to each black, then the green/yellow to the brass terminal with the funny looking symbol

I agree that polarity is not an issue with modern ES lampholders however the conductors of the new fitting should have correct polarity, the brown should be connected to live and not the neutral.