How to change a light fitting safely
Replacing a pendant looks simple but mistakes can cause fires. Here's the safe process — and the limit of what you should DIY.
1. Isolate the circuit at the fuse board
Turn off the lighting circuit at the consumer unit, then verify it's dead at the fitting with an approved voltage tester. Don't trust the wall switch alone.
2. Photograph the existing wiring
Before you disturb anything, take clear photos of which conductors land where. Loop-in fittings can have multiple lives, switch lives and neutrals — getting this wrong creates fire risk.
3. Match terminals on the new fitting
Most modern fittings use a single Live, Neutral and Earth — but if the original was loop-in, you'll likely need a junction box, which is notifiable work in England.