New Wall Light not working despite power going in to it. Ask questions and find answers to many subjects relating to electrics and electrical work

[CDEmerton]

Hi, I've just replaced an old wall light in a 1965 house. It won't work despite checking that power is going in to it. The old light was wired to red live and black neutral and the bare earth was folded back out of use. The new light is metal with an integrated pull chord switch and therefore requires to be earthed. I've wired it up using the bare earth and the bulbs (twin) don't light. As far as I can tell either I'm unlucky and the switch is kaput or the earth is not actually connected in the loft.

Grateful for any ideas.

Regards

[stevenc1603]

The earth wire being disconnected won't cause the light not to work. Its only there as a safety mechanism.

Are you sure you have connected the live and neutral wires up correctly?

You may just be unlucky and have a dodgy switch. If you are confident with electrics you could always try bypassing the switch to rule that out. It could also be faulty bulb holders.

[CDEmerton]

Thanks. I'll replace it with the other lamp and if it is the switch swap the lamp at homebase.