Lighting Circuit 2 Plate Method Taking the Feed to the Switch and Connecting a 1 Way Switch & Light

[@DADDYNOOB]

This has got to be one of the most straight forward switch video I have come across especially for a novice 👍

[@GSHElectrical]

Thanks 👍🏻

[@arthursleep8307]

Absolutely fantastic video... clear precise and not condescending. All tutors should be like this... great job Gaz

[@GSHElectrical]

Thanks for watching and the great comment 👍

[@mikesearle7077]

I wish all instructional videos on KZbin were this good. Thank you!

[@GSHElectrical]

Mike massive thanks for watching and the support. Gaz 👍🏻

[@TheStandardstory]

You mate single handily helped me wire my garden office. From switches to lights to sockets. Thank you very much.

[@ChrisTian-uw9tq]

This is just beautiful to watch. Have been close to burn out with work for the last months and now my job ended and I can focus on my apartment, replacing lightswitches, adding new lights and sockets and to watch/listen to you, is super calming as too, informative. Thank you very much for your efforts!

[@GSHElectrical]

Thanks for the great comment and watching 👍🏻

[@1000Zebedee]

Excellent video. I taught joinery for many years and used the same mantra: state, re-state, re-enforce. I look forwards to learning more from your great presentations.

[@GSHElectrical]

Thanks 👍🦾

[@ibellchristian9773]

The best tutor by a country mile. I wish he could be cloned and put into every classroom.

[@GSHElectrical]

Massive thanks for the positive comment 👍🏻

[@paul756uk2]

Undoubtedly the best way of doing it for several reasons. Firstly you're not working above your head trying to wire up a load of cables into a pendant that will probably be removed to install a fancy fitting so all the wires end up in a mess in a choc block and secondly you don't have the issue of confusion with a blue switch return invariably not sleeved being wired to the neutral but you did mention that. Also the wago connectors are brilliant.

[@anelectrician]

What if you needed an unswitched line conductor at the ceiling position for a fan or life and safety detection like smoke, heat or CO2 ? You'd be stuffed with the two plate method.

[@vievlogs589]

I think this is one of the best videos you have produced Mr GSH 🦾

[@michealplater9007]

Hi as a sparky in Austraila, have been taking the cables to the switch for years, one cable at the light fitting and most connections can be done on the floor, not up a ladder. The earth conductor, sorry CPC has been insulated for about 35 years. Great to see how different countries carry out electrical works. England appears to use a lot of SWA, where we use PVC conduit and single/double insulated cables.

[@cuebj]

I feel good! Pro proving I'm correct to do what I do. I've had to redo sloppy work by most registered professional electricians I've ever used so I worked out how to do it this way - long wires in box, fold over, keep wires as clean as possible, sleeving the correct size for wires, Wago connectors And I scrape out every trace of plaster or paint. I think I've found a solid, diligent domestic electrician for my next job - new up to the minute consumer units with separate circuits for each kitchen appliance.

[@noddylloyd]

What a great teacher. Fantastic video! Thank you. I will be watching your others before I wire up my new shed.

[@C1098O]

These tuition presentations are a great help and very easy to follow, many thanks.

[@GSHElectrical]

Thanks Philip 👍🏻

[@C1098O]

@@GSHElectrical thank you, brilliant 👏

[@earlyyearslearningisfun]

Thanks for explaining the 2 plate method so clearly.

[@davidseed2939]

Why is it called 2 plate

[@Matt-td9wx]

@@davidseed2939 it's using 2 plates in the ceiling rose instead of 3

[@GluteMaximuz]

Interesting stuff. I now use dry liner boxes instead of metal, to reduce any effect on smart devices used.

[@GSHElectrical]

Great point 👍🏻

[@jmohammad3762]

Thanks Gaz familiar with the wiring but always forget the terminology. Thanks for reminding me of two plate method. Good video for new learners and a reminder for old boys like myself.

[@GSHElectrical]

Thanks 🦾

[@middleagedpunk8923]

What an excellent instructor. Thank you for a very helpful video!

[@GSHElectrical]

middleagedpunk thanks

[@JayG2K]

Agree nicely explained.

[@eifionstores2460]

Great method, used it years ago when wall lights were all the rage! no room for loop-in behind a wall light normally.

[@GSHElectrical]

Great comment

[@D_5821]

Had to do this in college and was so confused. This helped a lot.

[@GSHElectrical]

Wiring Diagram Lighting Circuit 2 Plate Method Taking the Feed to the Switch - 1 Way Switch & Light kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2KchHaXa6uIqdU This may also help 🦾. Thanks for commenting. Gaz

[@montyswoodworkscrafts2232]

Great video, thanks for taking the time to create and share. Used this technique to wire in the lights for my garden cabin.

[@andytap560]

Ive been en using method for a while now,mainly because it makes the whole circuit servicable with no hidden junction boxes or things to fail.

[@neilcowmeadow3551]

Super-clear, and super-useful. Thanks for making it simple and elegant.

[@GSHElectrical]

Thanks 👍

[@richardsandwell2285]

A very neat installation and in many circumstances, this is so much better than having lots of cables at the ceiling rose. The only thing I am not keen on and I do realise they have uses is the traditional shallow back box, if I was chopping this into a wall I would go for a 25mm socket back box if it was possible.

[@GSHElectrical]

Great advice 👍

[@connerwright1322]

These are awesome videos, really helped me over the past 2 years coming up on the tools!

[@ir7868]

Brilliant teaching method , better then collage

[@richardwood1575]

Been looking for this simple explanation all day, thank you.

[@GSHElectrical]

Thanks 👍

[@BritishBeachcomber]

Good to see you doubling the conductor ends. I worked out that was the best way when I first learnt electrics - at the age of 13 ;) !!!

[@mathman0101]

Exceptionally clear Gaz well done GSH. I am glad you are recommending installation of AFDD-RCDs Type A breakers for circuits. That’s also the latest advice in the USA NEC 2020 standard. I would also put in for the socket and lighting circuits, AFDD-RCDs at the first socket protecting the downstream sockets and lights thereafter. Not sure these have taken off in the UK - Leviton do that here as do Schneider, Square D, Hubbell, Eaton, GE. Offering two points of equipment and personal protection 1.) From breaker to socket/light 2.) from first socket to all other sockets/lights. This provides two safety points and protects against failure. Latest version of RCD and AFDD are much better in handling Mix of AC and DC equipment in residential circuits especially transient and over voltages. Add surge protection class 1 and 2 and you’ve layers multiple protection making residences more stable and safer. Once that’s sorted you move onto power quality issues but that’s a whole different ball game but one that’s going to be very important in the future.

[@GSHElectrical]

Thanks for the very detailed comment 🦾. Gaz

[@sandymcnair5298]

Very Sad that it AFDD will become more prominent in the UK in the years to come in lieu of investing in the training of skilled electricians and stop allowing cheap crap to be sold in the UK. AFDD will only make suppliers rich, but will not make any difference to a fire started or deaths in the household due to electrical fires.

[@danielhammond4782]

Thanks very much for this video and well explain of the two plate method. I have learn more from this video.

[@ramz8637]

Really straight forward, currently an apprentice and these videos help !!

[@GSHElectrical]

Thanks for the support 👍🏻

[@steveblack1210]

Clear and easy to understand. Excellent channel.

[@GSHElectrical]

Thanks 🦾

[@Sparkyt552]

Thank you so much mate you dont understand how much you have helped me

[@GSHElectrical]

Not a problem 👍

[@stamfordmeetup]

great video, both concise but with all the detail.

[@kbultray]

Gary many years ago when I was an apprentice taking a neutral through the switch was a no no. Never did understand why, makes wiring much simpler. Trouble is picking a new feed up from a wall switch plastered in switch box could be messy. Most lighting circuits were spidered out from one of those square BICC junction boxes. Happy days !

[@raychambers3646]

That's why you put brown sleeve on the blue wire to tell you it's not two plate.

[@Justyburger]

I moved from the UK to NZ and here we always have the feeds through the switches. No old UK ceiling roses here. I prefer it, even though switches can get very busy. Just my personal choice, but I don't use the loop terminal for the neutral. I put common neutrals and Earths all in their own connector block stuffed into the back of the flush box, so there are only lives at the switches. I like deeper boxes too. I hate having to stuff cables into tight areas. Also I never use 1.0m for lights. Always 1.5.

[@unapalomablanc]

Great video and teaching, thanks for posting it.

[@Omey731]

to add another benefit to this, this is future proof as many smart switches require both L&N to work so having this at the switch is handy and future proof :)

[@Dogandhorselover]

Another great clip to help thank you Gary

[@nilofido411]

I am still amazed at the archaic use of the twin and earth cables.... but at least finally I see the use of RCBO’s adopted

[@julianfisher6373]

Spot on in every way, just so easy to understand ! Many thanks & keep up the good work.

[@GSHElectrical]

Thanks 👍🏻

[@maximus1210]

Fantastic Video , helps a lot on my course . Thank you

[@GSHElectrical]

Thanks for commenting and watching 👍🏻

[@Candisa]

Remembering things is easier when taught the logic behind them. 3-plate: line goes to light (1), switch(es) (2), back to light (3) 2-plate: line goes to switch (1) and then to the light (2)

[@JohnLeeIM]

Thank you for this video, had to wire up two lights in my garage, you made this make complete sense!!

[@154electrician]

You should make a video on how to install a CU and keep the fire rating , all these videos and pictures on youtube off nice neat boards but leaving big holes everywhere.

[@MultirotorView]

This is the best way for modern light fittings as well as smart switches needing a neutral to operate. Another note you don’t need to double over those CPCs if you have 2 in the same terminal.

[@franklindrake3225]

you prolly dont give a shit but does any of you know of a way to log back into an Instagram account..? I somehow lost the login password. I appreciate any assistance you can offer me.

[@carsonelias7432]

@Franklin Drake instablaster =)

[@franklindrake3225]

@Carson Elias Thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site on google and Im in the hacking process atm. Takes quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@franklindrake3225]

@Carson Elias It did the trick and I actually got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D Thank you so much you really help me out :D

[@carsonelias7432]

@Franklin Drake No problem :D

[@larrysullivan6536]

Brilliant well explained and easy to do I want to do this in all my bedrooms to make them safe as I have an old house with old wining thanks buddy well done cheers

[@SqwarkParrotSpittingFeathers]

As usual Gaz, excellent presentation. Thanks.👍

[@GSHElectrical]

Massive thanks 🦾

[@SqwarkParrotSpittingFeathers]

@@GSHElectrical do you know it's Sunday? Put you feet up and sip a beer. Stop working. But, the trouble you took to reply was appreciated.

[@GSHElectrical]

Just sat down with a large glass of wine... my wife has a channel so no rest for me 🤣.

[@aaman9108]

You are an excellent tutor!

[@abdoaiman]

Great man & great video.. Thank you so much

[@GSHElectrical]

Thanks 🦾

[@geef9027]

Very well explained thanks, a big help.

[@GSHElectrical]

Thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@neiltrevatt]

I find it funny people say doesn’t matter what way feed and switchline go but always put feed in common, when I use a 2 way switch for a 1way light I always put feed in L1 and switchline in common that way L2 is not live when switch is off, also make sure switch is up correct way before screening back to box

[@dant828]

Why does it matter if L2 is live when the switch is off (genuine question from a trainee spark)

[@suhaibduco4496]

Realy I enjoyed this video and this channel🙏shukrn

[@GSHElectrical]

Thank you 👍

[@LindaTheLearner]

Gaz .. I have been watching all your new lighting vids .. Thanks .. they are excellent 🏆 . A vid that goes on to show connections to multiple downlighters, and also 2-way, using 2 plate would be ace 👍 (when you have a gap in your 14 hour working day !!)

[@robbiegreen7791]

These videos are golden mate great work

[@GSHElectrical]

Massive thanks for the kind words 👍

[@marklawrence64]

Thanks for sharing this, very helpful. 👍🏽

[@eddprice4571]

Great video Gaz as always 👍 I've bin using this method alot recently with all the rewires having down lights ..... acne of the ceiling 🤣

[@GSHElectrical]

🦾

[@Toffeezigger]

Interesting stuff. How times have changed. Served my time 40 years ago and back then there were two types of lighting circuits- loop in at the rose or junction box method. Connecting neutrals at the switch was not common practice. I wonder what my old instructor would have made of this. “What! no red sleeve on the switch wire”!

[@GSHElectrical]

Thanks for watching and the great comment. Gaz 👍🏻

[@geoffriley475]

the looping in at the light fitting has not been done for years at least 30 yrs, plus now it should be brown sleeving

[@electricalstuff259]

@@geoffriley475 I'm working on site at the minute and they still do it.

[@germancarfan360]

brilliant video, explanation, visuals 👌

[@monkeybusiness1559]

Brilliant this video was exactly what I was looking for 👍

[@GSHElectrical]

Thanks 👍

[@fahadasad8118]

Explained so well.. love it

[@terrisunday7412]

Absolutely fantastic. thank you.

[@alistaircook6900]

Great video. Very informative.

[@jamesortolano3983]

Not sure why yr grounds were sleved,I guess that's code in UK? Extra work ,however the time was off set by use of Wago's. Very clear,concise video. I do it different here in states. But it's also we use different boxes,nd switches. Thanx for the info

[@GSHElectrical]

Thanks James for watching and the great comment 👍. Gaz

[@isitrollinbob]

clear concise perfect thANK YOU

[@GSHElectrical]

Thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@elchapooo6668]

Thank you mate much appreciate should be able to keep my job now haha 😂 ⚡️

[@AndyHawtin1]

Nice video, thanks. I followed this for a simple light under our stairs using a live feed terminated there by previous owner. The little tester pen shows current to the bulb when the switch is on but the bulb doesn’t light - any ideas!? Have checked bulb and the fitting also.

[@Droningonuk]

I was told a college you don't need to double over doubled up cables such as your cpc's in this video but we should double up the lines as you did in the switch what are your thoughts on this? You've got me thinking now?

[@GSHElectrical]

Life lesson - fill the hole if you can - double over when you can. Thanks for commenting and watching. Gaz 🦾

[@rhysdavies8947]

Neutral at the switch allows for retrofitting of smart switches that require a neutral. One of the biggest things to come through the industry behind your decision to include it.

[@andrexxxuk]

Very informative-just stop saying like bloody so!!!!!😇

[@GSHElectrical]

🤦🏻‍♂️

[@stevenolivero5207]

So well explained if i understand it anyone can LOL. Just a quick question .can a live from the consumer unit go directly to an accessible junction box in the loft then from the junction go directly to the switches in 2 separate rooms.

[@Ben-zn8pe]

You doubled over them browns spot on 😂👌

[@Chris-hy6jy]

This method does have the potential to drastically increase the loop impedance due to all the switch drops. The supply to the last light on the circuit has been looped in and out of every switch on the circuit. On a fairly average sized 1mm circuit, a Zs of 2 - 3 ohms is quite normal. As long as it doesn't exceed 5.8 ohms on a 6A breaker all is well but it's just something to bear in mind.

[@sensibledriver933]

We have used the old method for donkey's years without issue. Why the need to change something that works?

[@mjames978]

To help mitigate could use thicker wire eg 1.5mm sq

[@FoxDren]

definetly intereting watch. been looking at reskilling into a trade as been stuck in unskilled roles for a while. just need to find an apprenticeship somewhere.

[@happyfamily8624]

very good video thank you for sharing this video.

[@andrewbocho3896]

At the ceiling point there is only a max of three, 3 core cables. feed in, feed out and a drop wire to the switch. If you use this method, you have the same, but in a switch where there is less space and then how do you run to next switch? Around the walls where you have more chance of putting a nail through the cable; I think not. Light fitting to light fitting is the best. Ceiling rose light fittings have a nice set of connections. Even with a row LEDs the cabling is simple and clean.

[@elchapooo6668]

Nice one fella love the video 👋👋👋

[@GSHElectrical]

Thanks

[@curtiskozlowski]

Where do you recommend to train to become a domestic electrician, currently a self employed fire and security installer? Ideally evenings or intense course

[@GSHElectrical]

Always checkout your local FE college first 👍🏻

[@iDrive-365]

Brilliant Video I think you should do the 2 way sockets video with same settings as an add on I have seen the one you posted but this Camera Angle is more clearer and accurate

[@GSHElectrical]

Thanks for the feedback - trying to get better each video 🦾

[@iDrive-365]

@@GSHElectrical Sir You are beacon of light, a teacher who is pouring his knowledge for free. Keep doing the good work. God Bless

[@ajadventures688]

Very helpful. Thanks 👍🏼

[@GSHElectrical]

Thanks 👍🏻

[@theNeathBoy]

If you were to use this method for a 2-gang switch, would you bridge the line-in to the second switch. I have one ceiling rose light and LEDs, I brought the line-in down to the switch and wondered how I would add the live line in to the second (LEDs) switch in the gang. Thanks

[@malltheway2165]

Excellent thank you

[@GSHElectrical]

Thanks 🦾

[@alpachino468]

I wish I had your skill and knowledge...

[@theoxfordmindforeveryone563]

very helpful, thank you!

[@GSHElectrical]

Thanks

[@eisahayat3605]

thanks really helpful. how would you take that switch to another room with a separate switch and spotlights would you connect a live to l2 and neutrals to the connector block and then move it to the next switch?

[@colincrooky]

Why is it called the two plate rule? What do the plates represent? Thank you.

[@allysonhanks7367]

Hello, how are you doing. I hope you are safe and in good health. Looking for a new friend and i saw your pic here. I hope you don't mind thank you.

[@electricery]

Thanks Gary, very clear video, but are you allowed to have a “floating ” connection inside the switch box (the cpc is fixed but the N is not). I appreciate it’s common practice, but does it strictly comply?

[@RWATraineeElectrician]

Thanks for sharing 👍👍👍

[@allysonhanks7367]

Hello, how are you doing. I hope you are safe and in good health. Looking for a new friend and i saw your pic here. I hope you don't mind thank you.

[@oaw_manofnorse]

@7:44 IMHO, the non-levered Wago 2273-202 (good for 2.5mm and rated 24A per IEC/EN) would have been the better choice for that ;) (for both the PE, which is not needed in this switch anyway, as well as the N)

[@badbanano]

Taking a knife to those tiny conductors is an absolute recipe for fire or failure. It’s not open to debate.

[@GSHElectrical]

Stripping Twin and Earth Cable’s - Electricians’ Knife vs Twin and Earth Cable Strippers kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpPHoWCwnqqtp8k

[@allysonhanks7367]

Hello Chris, how are you doing. I hope you are safe and in good health. Looking for a new friend and i saw your pic here. I hope you don't mind thank you.

[@diesalweasel]

Hi love your video .can I ask a question when you trimmed back the wire to go in to the light switch. Roughly how much is needed to be trimmed back .best wishes james

[@sandymcnair5298]

I would be interested in understanding how this wiring would be modified if for multiroom application. How do you cable from the switch to next switch to next switch etc. Would you loop in at the switches? Would to loop in at a maintenance-free junction box, some other method?

[@edc1569]

return a feed from the switch to the next switch.

[@philipgreenwood746]

Employ a registered electrician

[@terencewright2223]

Excellent video ,thank you very much. How things have changed since I was doing this!

[@callmemainey]

Hello mate, I've watched a bunch of your videos looking for a specific answer to something and i can't seem to find it, so i wonder if i could just be specific with you and see if you have the answer. (Great videos by the way for someone looking to learn the trade, you're extremely detailed). Ok so, i have a 2 gang switch at the bottom of my stairs. The left switch turns on/off the downstairs light, and the right switch turns on and off the light at the top of the stairs. Upstairs there is a 1 gang light switch that also turns on/off the light at the top of the stairs. I am looking to swap my light switches to smart switches and i am completely confused on which to get in terms of 'way'. What's throwing me off is the downstairs 2 gang light switch, because the one on the left is 1 way correct? and the one of the right is 2 way. So the light switch panel is in essence both? The upstairs one is obviously simple; its 1 gang 2 way (right?! lol) but yes the downstairs one is throwing me off. Once you help me with the correct switches, is it as simple as just putting the wires exactly where they were in the previous switches? Im really looking forward to your help and finally figuring this out!

[@paulwelburnphotography]

Thanks for this, just what I needed. Quick question…. I have used this exact layout for a new bathroom area in an out building. Can I add an extractor fan to the switch?

[@Sroper1993]

Hager and Schneider give you a neutral loop connection on the back of their switches

[@GSHElectrical]

Thanks for commenting 🦾👍

[@WilbowIT]

OK I've got my head round this but what I haven't is if I want two different switches side by side for two separate lights do I still need power or can I basically jump that across and just have a switching wire to the other light? 🤔

[@blackcyclist]

Great video. So clear!. I have a question. Ive swapped switches to smart switches requiring no neutral in my 1st bedroom. I have 3 brown wires going in at the switch. Neutral (Blues) not used & are blocked off. I identified 1 of the 3 browns as live, guessing that makes the others a switched live? I've put the 2 into the L1 and the single live into the com. (also switched this combo). But now the other lights upstairs (bathroom bedroom) have no power when I switch off the bedroom light. From your video, I am thinking that one of the two brown wires that have no current running through, must be the feed out of this room to the rest of the upstairs? Any suggestions on how I can identify what each of the brown wires do, so I can fix this? Thanks

[@mikeydee93]

Is it quite common practice to mix 2 and 3 plate wiring on an install for where you have spotlights in one room and 3 plate pendants in others?

[@jackgordon8563]

Yes that’s common well that’s what I do on a re wire anyway

[@R23OEY591]

Im guessing this would still work using a pull cord switch when fitting down lights in a bathroom?

[@GSHElectrical]

Yes - thanks for commenting and watching 👍🏻

[@richardhendry1311]

Great video, very well explained. Thank you. Question though if you have multiple switches to feed (multiple rooms) from this single circuit, presumably you would have 3 cables coming in/out of the switch I.e. feed in from the consumer unit, supply out to the light fitting and a feed out to the next switch?

[@scotty2hottyltd]

Yes, take another feed from this switch to the next switch and so on