As can be seen by the first image( switch wiring ) , 4 black wires are connected to 1 terminal, and 3 red wires are connected to the other terminal , there is also a unconnected copper wire ( I am assuming that this is the earth )
the light was working until recently and now even after changing to several working bulbs it does not work , i have checked at the bulb using a voltage probe that its not getting any voltage.
I have a couple of questions
- the switch should switch the live line right ? , so there is no neutral at the switch ?
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why would someone connect multiple live wires at the switch, this would mean that the switch connected more than one bulb/appliance ? , but it only used to switch one light in the room
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given that there is a minor hole ( visible in the picture )in the black cable ( assuming its the live wire), is it possible that it shorted with the earth ? , i have checked the breakers but they seem fine but noticed that the breakers are really really old wire fuse type ones.
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is it possible that the switch is fried ? , since there is power at the switch but not at the light ?
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BTW i am located in Brisbane, Australia
Best Answer
This needs to be looked at by an Electrician as it looks like Vulcanized Rubber wiring (VIR).
This is a Fire Hazard !!!
Your house wiring insulation may be the cause of the light not working.
Vulcanized Rubber is what they used before the 60's to insulate house wiring and overtime it can become brittle and break off leaving the wiring without insulation.
dangerous old wiring- "Avoiding the perils of age"