Old ceiling light fitting - loop connection?

[tcwh1971]

Hi,
I recently changed a light fitting in my flat. When I opened the plastic ceiling cap cover I noticed it was connected to a little connector with the word 'loop' on it, along with 'N' and 'L', which obviously means Live and Nuetral, respectively. This loop connector, measuring 50mm by 25mm has 8 connecting holes, one a set of six and a set of two with a screw in each one. over from it is alos an Earth connection.

The hall where the light is connected to two light switches, one as you come in the front door and the other next to the sitting room door before you go in, both working independently for the same light. After changing it over to the new light I was expecting it not to work but to my surprise it works fine even though the new light does not feature this in built loop connector. I was a little unsure about doing it myself and so got help from a neighbour who is qualified, more so then me anyway. They were good enough to sort it for me.

I'm just interested to know why the old light would have this sort of connection and why it still works without it with the new light. The old light does feature the old colour wiring if that means anything, something I never knew about prior to buying the new light. Now I do - lol. Thanks.

[plumbbob]

A normal ceiling rose uses 8 connections plus an earth point. The three connections you are referring to usually have three reds (browns) connected. The first wire brings the power to the rose. The next wire takes the power to the light switch that controls that particular light. The third takes a supply to the next light. Hence the word "loop" as the lighting circuit is daisy chained to the next light etc.

Three other connections join all the neutrals together, and the last two bring the power back from the switch and connect to the bulb.

If the loop was used before, it must be now otherwise other lights in the property would not work properly. If the rose is the last on the circuit, then it would only have two reds, but they still need to be connected together otherwise that light wouldn't work.