Two plates at the ceiling rose means it's a two plate lighting circuit, but wait, I have replaced all my three plates roses with 'Quick Wire' switch and load connectors above ceiling and below floor.. So mine is a three plate circuit but only two plates at the rose. ( Actually I purchased three plate pendants but only used two of the plates), I have now thankfully got rid of all those wires at the rose. This means metal light fittings are easy and more safe to fit as there is never enough space in them. Also the quick Wire connectors are 16 amp and Maintenance free as well as blindingly fast to fit. So I guess it is at the Switch that you can be sure which system is in operation if it is like mine. By the way I just really love your LEARN ELECTRICS videos, thank you.
Thank you for all the videos. I want to get into an electrician apprenticeship next year, that's my dream because I'm fascinated by electricity. This channel is so helpful and informative, and very easy to understand the topic. I think one of the best. I have learned so much. Keep up the good work!
You can do it AS. The secret is to keep learning and to keep your motivation up. I've been in the game over 40 years now and wouldn't do anything else. Its taken me around the world several times on some very interesting contracts. Good luck, stay with it. Dave.
Excellent Video Dave. Can you ever make video on how to fault find method on Lighting circuit as I am very curious as there are hardly any videos on fault finding lighting circuit but plenty on sockets . Thanks again
Have you seen this video about lighting circuit faults ua-cam.com/video/mxfPysMfiWw/v-deo.html I've put your request on the list and will look at making another video on lighting faults. Dave.
Dave, please in my country, Ghana they do practice the 2 plate lighting circuit where the feed cable goes to the common terminal of the switch and the neutral and earth cable goes to the ceiling rose. Is this the best way to go about it...dl
Daniel, there are so many variations of the two plate. Years ago there was a lot less regulation and folk just installed circuits as they had been shown by others. In the UK, the move is towards standardization now, but you will still find different styles until they have all been rewired - about 40 years from now. It helps to keep a notebook with drawings of the different wiring that you come across, the day will come when those notes help on another job. Dave.
@@learnelectrics4402 Please I have another question, almost all switches do not come with earth and neutral block, so what's the best way to go about it...
@@danielteyehuago1633The earth to the earth terminal in the back box, and the neutrals just connected thru because you don't need a neutral at the switch.
Thank you Daniel, appreciated comments. Just putting another video together on the differences with 2 way and intermediate switching as a follow up. Dave.
Currently assisting with this issue, three different mics tried, seems it's not as straight forward of a fix as first thought. Please bear with, it will be sorted as soon as possible.
the problem with doing the connections at the switch is that if you gonna use a 3 core+earth to go to another switch it will be a massive pain to screw back the switch
Hi thank you for all the content you’ve produced it’s very educational. I have been looking for a complete walk through of the 2391 with calculations etc but struggling to find that, can only find it broken down in parts. Have you produced one? If not do you think you could make one for us? BR Finley
On the two plate I've shown you, yes, but some sparkies use sheathed singles and take the live feed to the switch and the neutral direct to the ceiling rose. With time, you will recognise these. Stick with it, its a good trade. Dave.
Yes you can. Just loop to the next switch. The video below will also show you two way lighting. Thanks for watching. ua-cam.com/video/L1cyoqBLkeI/v-deo.html
Please with the 2 plate lighting circuit, in the switch, we don't have a neutral block in there. So how do we deal with that... Secondly most switches do not come with earth terminal block.
Use a wago or terminal strip for the neutrals, same with the earth if there isn't one moulded into the box - depends on the manufacturer. Thanks for asking, thanks for watching.
Looking at my lighting I seem to have something in between. The live goes to the switch and then feeds up to the light, like 2 plate. However the neutral just goes to the light it doesn't go to the switch at all. So it seems there is just a neutral loop feeding all the lights and live loop feeding the switches. No earth in sight either. House built in Ireland in 70s
Two plate you take the line and neutral for the Consumer unit to the switch Then another cable from the switch upto the ceiling rose , at th switch the two Reds ( old colours connect to the switch the two blacks are connected to each other with a connector block. On a three plate there’s no neutral at the switch the black should be marked with red tape or red sleeving theses days the colours are brown line blue neutral but again no neutral at the switch on three plate the blue at the switch will have brown sleeving .the two plate method is in common use theses days for down lights .
It sounds like the electrician used single reds known as staplers from the switch this was standard in the sixties and seventies. Also if only became a regulation requirement to earth lighting circuits in the early nineties. I would get a qualified electrician in to have a look Sounds like you might need a rewire .
Thanks for watching. Yes, some older properties were wired with a neutral loop, I've seen it a time or two. back in the 60s and 70s it was often a minefield. It does help to draw what you have, that sometimes helps to make sense of things - good luck. Dave.
There are many, many variations of wiring Emil. Years ago it was not very well regulated and folks just did what suited them. Now we are trying to standardize the installation methods especially for craft apprenticeships. Thanks for the input, appreciated. Dave.
Gillo100 Two plate you take the line and neutral for the Consumer unit to the switch Then another cable from the switch upto the ceiling rose , at th switch the two Reds ( old colours connect to the switch the two blacks are connected to each other with a connector block. On a three plate there’s no neutral at the switch the black should be marked with red tape or red sleeving theses days the colours are brown line blue neutral but again no neutral at the switch on three plate the blue at the switch will have brown sleeving .the two plate method is in common use theses days for down lights .
Gillo100 It sounds like the electrician used single reds known as staplers from the switch this was standard in the sixties and seventies. Also if only became a regulation requirement to earth lighting circuits in the early nineties. I would get a qualified electrician in to have a look Sounds like you might need a rewire .
Sean & Dave, In my training days (1988 - 1993 & beyond), neutrals in a light switch back box were frowned upon. As were floating connectors, any connections in an enclosure had to be fixed base connectors. This all seems to have gone to pot with wago connectors and two plate becoming more conventional due to the lack of a ceiling rose and sparks not being bothered to install a JB in the ceiling. Hey ho. In a one way switch scenario, why not just install a double pole switch? Thoughts?
Thank you for this: I have my assessment this week which will include either a 2P or 3P 2/W lighting circuit - this was exactly what I needed 🙏
Glad it helped, good luck. Dave.
Two plates at the ceiling rose means it's a two plate lighting circuit, but wait, I have replaced all my three plates roses with 'Quick Wire' switch and load connectors above ceiling and below floor.. So mine is a three plate circuit but only two plates at the rose. ( Actually I purchased three plate pendants but only used two of the plates), I have now thankfully got rid of all those wires at the rose. This means metal light fittings are easy and more safe to fit as there is never enough space in them. Also the quick Wire connectors are 16 amp and Maintenance free as well as blindingly fast to fit. So I guess it is at the Switch that you can be sure which system is in operation if it is like mine. By the way I just really love your LEARN ELECTRICS videos, thank you.
Interesting contribution. Really appreciated. Thanks. Dave.
Thank you for all the videos. I want to get into an electrician apprenticeship next year, that's my dream because I'm fascinated by electricity. This channel is so helpful and informative, and very easy to understand the topic. I think one of the best. I have learned so much. Keep up the good work!
You can do it AS. The secret is to keep learning and to keep your motivation up. I've been in the game over 40 years now and wouldn't do anything else. Its taken me around the world several times on some very interesting contracts.
Good luck, stay with it. Dave.
Excellent Video Dave.
Can you ever make video on how to fault find method on Lighting circuit as I am very curious as there are hardly any videos on fault finding lighting circuit but plenty on sockets .
Thanks again
Have you seen this video about lighting circuit faults
ua-cam.com/video/mxfPysMfiWw/v-deo.html
I've put your request on the list and will look at making another video on lighting faults.
Dave.
Another great video. One learn from him MORE than one can learn in one year in some useless collage or private trades schools.
Thanks Oliver, really nice comments and glad that the videos are useful. Lots more to come. Dave
Great video David clearly explained and easy to understand . 👍
Thanks for supporting the channel Sean. Always appreciate your feedback and comments. Dave.
Ah, we meet again! I’m not joking, it’s a rare ability to take a weighty matter and keep it so simple. Thank you again and well done. 😊
Thanks for the feedback and thanks for watching. Glad it was useful.
Thank you, i and many other very much appreciate you
Thank you. Keep spreading the word. Dave.
Dave, please in my country, Ghana they do practice the 2 plate lighting circuit where the feed cable goes to the common terminal of the switch and the neutral and earth cable goes to the ceiling rose. Is this the best way to go about it...dl
Daniel, there are so many variations of the two plate. Years ago there was a lot less regulation and folk just installed circuits as they had been shown by others. In the UK, the move is towards standardization now, but you will still find different styles until they have all been rewired - about 40 years from now. It helps to keep a notebook with drawings of the different wiring that you come across, the day will come when those notes help on another job. Dave.
@@learnelectrics4402 wow! Thanks so much for your response. I really appreciate it
@@learnelectrics4402 Please I have another question, almost all switches do not come with earth and neutral block, so what's the best way to go about it...
@@danielteyehuago1633The earth to the earth terminal in the back box, and the neutrals just connected thru because you don't need a neutral at the switch.
Another excellent piece of video... i am waiting for your AM2 videos...hopefully soon
Thanks Imran, they are on the list. Thanks for the support and thanks for watching. Dave.
Wow! This is very informative, thanks for sharing it with us. It worth it for me and the best tutorial on the topic for me.
Thank you Daniel, appreciated comments. Just putting another video together on the differences with 2 way and intermediate switching as a follow up. Dave.
Thanks for sharing it with you. Well understood.
Glad it was helpful Daniel, thanks for the support.
Love all your videos, but please invest in a new microphone
Currently assisting with this issue, three different mics tried, seems it's not as straight forward of a fix as first thought. Please bear with, it will be sorted as soon as possible.
Thanks Dan, appreciated
the problem with doing the connections at the switch is that if you gonna use a 3 core+earth to go to another switch it will be a massive pain to screw back the switch
Exactly. That's why a 25mm back box is sometimes needed.
Can't wait for the next video...
Thanks Daniel, appreciated.
Hi thank you for all the content you’ve produced it’s very educational. I have been looking for a complete walk through of the 2391 with calculations etc but struggling to find that, can only find it broken down in parts. Have you produced one? If not do you think you could make one for us? BR Finley
BR, I wanted to do more on 2391 calcs and I really appreciate your request, its on the list now. Thanks. Dave.
Please in 2 plate lighting circuit, if the cable being used is not twin and earth cable, do we still send the neutral to the switch?
On the two plate I've shown you, yes, but some sparkies use sheathed singles and take the live feed to the switch and the neutral direct to the ceiling rose. With time, you will recognise these. Stick with it, its a good trade. Dave.
@@learnelectrics4402 Thanks for your response
Great video , thanks dave 👍🏼
Glad you enjoyed it Royston. Thank you for the feedback.
Can the feed on a 2 plate come from the previous switch or light instead of the consumer unit?
Yes you can. Just loop to the next switch. The video below will also show you two way lighting. Thanks for watching.
ua-cam.com/video/L1cyoqBLkeI/v-deo.html
Normal switches for lighting circuit do not come with neutral and earth terminal block. How can we go about that...
Thanks Daniel, I've answered that on your previous question. Keep them coming.
Please with the 2 plate lighting circuit, in the switch, we don't have a neutral block in there. So how do we deal with that...
Secondly most switches do not come with earth terminal block.
Use a wago or terminal strip for the neutrals, same with the earth if there isn't one moulded into the box - depends on the manufacturer. Thanks for asking, thanks for watching.
Uou are great 👍 thanks
Thank you too, appreciated.
👍👍👍
Brilliant, thankyou
Looking at my lighting I seem to have something in between.
The live goes to the switch and then feeds up to the light, like 2 plate.
However the neutral just goes to the light it doesn't go to the switch at all. So it seems there is just a neutral loop feeding all the lights and live loop feeding the switches. No earth in sight either.
House built in Ireland in 70s
Two plate you take the line and neutral for the Consumer unit to the switch
Then another cable from the switch upto the ceiling rose , at th switch the two Reds ( old colours connect to the switch the two blacks are connected to each other with a connector block. On a three plate there’s no neutral at the switch the black should be marked with red tape or red sleeving theses days the colours are brown line blue neutral but again no neutral at the switch on three plate the blue at the switch will have brown sleeving .the two plate method is in common use theses days for down lights .
It sounds like the electrician used single reds known as staplers from the switch this was standard in the sixties and seventies. Also if only became a regulation requirement to earth lighting circuits in the early nineties. I would get a qualified electrician in to have a look
Sounds like you might need a rewire .
Thanks for watching. Yes, some older properties were wired with a neutral loop, I've seen it a time or two. back in the 60s and 70s it was often a minefield. It does help to draw what you have, that sometimes helps to make sense of things - good luck. Dave.
Thanks Sean. Great support. Dave,
Thanks buddy, appreciated. dave.
even with 2 plate Lighting you can take the
Feed cable to the celing rose
There are many, many variations of wiring Emil. Years ago it was not very well regulated and folks just did what suited them. Now we are trying to standardize the installation methods especially for craft apprenticeships. Thanks for the input, appreciated. Dave.
Gillo100 Two plate you take the line and neutral for the Consumer unit to the switch
Then another cable from the switch upto the ceiling rose , at th switch the two Reds ( old colours connect to the switch the two blacks are connected to each other with a connector block. On a three plate there’s no neutral at the switch the black should be marked with red tape or red sleeving theses days the colours are brown line blue neutral but again no neutral at the switch on three plate the blue at the switch will have brown sleeving .the two plate method is in common use theses days for down lights .
Thanks for watching Sean. Dave.
I'm here again
You're always welcome here Daniel. Thanks. Dave.
Gillo100 It sounds like the electrician used single reds known as staplers from the switch this was standard in the sixties and seventies. Also if only became a regulation requirement to earth lighting circuits in the early nineties. I would get a qualified electrician in to have a look
Sounds like you might need a rewire .
Thanks for the input Sean, great support.
Sean & Dave, In my training days (1988 - 1993 & beyond), neutrals in a light switch back box were frowned upon. As were floating connectors, any connections in an enclosure had to be fixed base connectors. This all seems to have gone to pot with wago connectors and two plate becoming more conventional due to the lack of a ceiling rose and sparks not being bothered to install a JB in the ceiling. Hey ho. In a one way switch scenario, why not just install a double pole switch? Thoughts?