Here we will explain how the most common lighting circuit works then we’ll move on to some variations that you may see in your home that may appear to differ from this.

You are most likely to see this 2 way lighting circuit in an industrial/commercial setting where the installation is trunking/conduit based and single core conductors are used.

The circuit consists of a two way switch at each end (top and bottom switches in Fig 2) and an intermediate switch in the middle. All three switches are connected together by a three core …

The diagrams below shows the old cable colours as you are unlikely to find this approach taken in a modern property which would use the new ‘harmonised’ cable colours.

If you are doing a new install or replacing a two way switch system go for the three wire control method. You are most likely to see this 2 way lighting circuit in an industrial/commercial setting …

Here we a have a schematic (Fig 1) which makes it easy to visualise how this circuit works. In this state the lamp is off, changing the position of either switch will switch the live to the lamp …

The light wiring diagram shows how the live feed from the Consumer unit (fuse board, shown in blue in Fig 1) feeds into the first ceiling rose (ceiling rose A, Fig 1).

The circuit consists of a two way switch at each end (top and bottom switches in Fig 2) and an intermediate switch in the middle. All three switches are connected together by a three core …

On the 31st March 2004 The IEE published Amendments No2. to BS 7671:2001 (the IEE Wiring Regulations) specifying new cable core colours for all new fixed wiring in UK electrical …

Here we have a 5 amp 4 terminal junction box that is ideal for use in lighting circuits. You will often see these used in old looped radial circuits instead of a ceiling rose in older houses.