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Wiring LED Lights Using the New Build Method

GSH Electrical

127,475 views

In this video, I’ll show you how to wire using the two-plate method for a lighting circuit and explain why so many electricians now prefer this method, especially when installing LED downlights and spotlights.

We’ll compare it with the traditional three-plate method and walk through each connection step by step, including:

⚡ Connecting the permanent line into the switch common.
💡 Wiring the switched line back to the light fitting.
🔵 Joining the neutrals using a Wago connector.
🟢 Securing the CPCs safely in an insulated back box and switch.
🔧 Understanding how a traditional three-plate ceiling rose is wired.
🏠 Why the two-plate method dramatically reduces the number of cables at each lighting point.
💡 How to loop the switched line, neutral and CPC to additional lights while keeping cable management neat and simple.

If you're an apprentice, electrical student, or qualified electrician looking to improve your lighting installation techniques, this video will help you understand the practical benefits of the two-plate wiring method and why it's become the preferred choice for modern lighting installations.

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== 🕐 Time Stamps - Cut to the action 🕕 ==

00:00 - Introduction
00:18 - Two-plate wiring overview
01:12 - Switch wiring explained
02:30 - Ceiling rose connections
04:15 - Why use the two-plate method?
05:40 - Looping to additional light fittings
06:45 - Key benefits and recap

Videos are training aids for City and Guilds (C and G) and EAL courses Level 1, 2, 3 plus AM2, AM2S and AM2E.

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20 Comments

@flurby64 2 months ago

This has a major benefit of exposing a neutral line to any smart switches you might want to fit later. My biggest bug bear in old properties is no neutral line in the light switch box :<

@TheChipmunk2008 2 months ago (edited)

I prefer to run a 3 core (+cpc) between the switch and light if using conventional roses/battens, so there's a neutral at both points, to make the next guy's life easier (as it might be me!). With some downlights you can even do this with them to the first point, as there's room for a 2 port wago inside, Much nicer if you need to retrofit a smoke alarm or add some accessory that needs a permanent supply after decorating, that ALWAYS happens :)

@fafhrd0023 1 month ago

So glad to see the full feed coming down to the switch. Much better for later modifications.

@HA05GER 2 months ago

The only problem with this system is if you want an extractor or smoke alarm on the lighting circuit. I think that whys the old way is the preferred way however I've done both.

@richardjarratt4921 1 month ago

I thought it was common practise now ,I've been doing it like that for the last 20 years

@Mircea007 4 days ago (edited)

If we use a 3 core we can have both N at the switch and permanent L at the light. It's so useful to have that permanent L in the ceiling for adding new accessories, as useful to have a N at the switch

@paulhadley9047 2 months ago (edited)

Rewiring unearthed lighting on my late Father's loft, I used a Surewire 4 way prewired box.

Light circuit in
4 cables to switches
4 cables to lamps

All electrical connections in one place, accessible standing on loft ladder. Easy to test and maintain.

@johngeorgestamp 1 month ago

I've always done it this way, makes so much more sense, plus 3coreE to light.

@johnmuldrock 2 weeks ago

Been doing wiring like this in NZ well before I started my apprenticeship in 1970! Now retired!

@cliffedwards9472 2 months ago

Been doing this for many years… frowned on by the Old School👍😎

@RicktheRecorder 2 months ago

I would have identified the switched output, so next time you know which is the incoming feed.

@kevsta21 3 weeks ago

I’d love to see you walk into a wholesalers and ask for some Vaaaarrggoo’s 😩😂😂
Just say Way Go mate 🙏

@fitzhomestudio1306 2 months ago

Thank you great job

@Mike_5 2 months ago

In the days of Singles in Conduit you could easily do arrangements like this no problem

@MyProjectBoxChannel 1 month ago

When are we getting light switches with spring lever terminals, like the ones in European style light switches. WAGO has become standard now so we need quick connect light switches as well. The UK needs to get with the program😉👍

@lee-b2i 1 month ago

I’ve always looped the feed to switches for 30 years on new builds and full Rewire’s back to brick
Obviously if your doing a Rewire using the old conduit or capping to save on redecoration it would be junction box
I personally prefer connectors to these new push fit connectors

@mikenco 2 months ago

Handy method when you need a neutral for an IOT device too.

@miroslawgad4269 1 month ago

thats how we do it in Poland, less cable and dont need to jump ladders for fault finding

@stunimbus1543 2 months ago

Back in the day having a connector strip behand a light switch wasn't permitted by councils in their council houses for rent. However now that ceiling roses are out of fashion feeding the switches rather than ceiling roses has advantages - and with wago type connectors being better than connector strip.
The problem occurs when you have a 2 gang switch, both 2 way switches, and feed out to another room. Then you have feed in, feed out, switch to light 1, switch to light 2, 3 core for light 1 and 3 core for light 2. That's alot of wires to tuck behind a switch.