Wiring Lights with 3 terminals when there are 4 terminals in the original fixture?

Question

I'm in Australia - and I know I'm meant to get a sparky - well might yet! I have worked with subbies before and know the usual precautions to take!

I'm installing new lights and have struck 2 problems: the original fixtures have 4 teminals, and the new terminals are smaller than will fit the existing wiring. The original wiring is for two way switching, and has a single red wire joined to the active wires, and another red wire (sheathed with a black) into the 4th terminal of the fixture. Does the 4th terminal have a function?

Is it worth somehow reorganising these wires into a junction box in the ceiling to allow single wires to go to the new smaller terminals?

Answer 1

I could talk you through it,but sadly,I won't.Don't want you to end up as a Crispy Critter.Get your local Sparky,it won't cost much and you'll know the job is done right and safely.You start fiddling with wires and then call a Sparky he probably won't touch it because he doesn't know what you've done.Play it safe.

Answer 2

I tried to wire up 2 way switch then gave up and have an local electrician wire up for me.  It is hard work.

He installed a touch switch with built-in LED very cool but expensive.  check it out www.touchswitch.com.au

Answer 3

I had the same problem! When I had finished, I switched on the light in the toilet and the bedroom light came on instead, and when I turned that one on the lannding light glowed dimly. At that point I called my mate who is a sparky and have been getting ribbed ever since - twelve years!

Answer 4

If you burn down the house through incorrect wiring your own insurance company won't pay out and you will be left with a mortgage for life with no house left. If you're renting and interfering with the wiring you will be chased by their insurance company.  If you electrocute yourself well, doh.  If you electrocute someone else could you live with it? If a fire kills your family or friends???

I know sparkies don't come cheap but it's not worth it to fool around with electrical wiring.

Answer 5

What type of lights are they? If they are normal incandessent lights then they will have a active, neutral , earth and a loop.

If you are talking about the switch then it's a different again mate. It's really easy if someone shows you but to try and explain it on here would be too much of a pain in the ***. It does void your insurance doing home wiring jobs, however I am not gunna preach to you, if you do know what your doin. However if you don't seriously just call a sparkie, it's not a big job and it will be alot safer. You can put a junction box in the roof but not in a wall, because of the regulations.

Answer 6

Are u drunk on Foster's or something.  First of all, you don't make sense. Second of all, you don't make sense.  I can help you, but you don't make sense.  Sorry mate.  If you gave more information, I might be able to help.