Replacing light pendant flex - easy?

[flosswoss]

The existing flex and the round bit that attaches to the ceiling is a mess and needs replacing and I need to know whether I could have a go at it myself. I've put a new bulb holder in before and am still here to tell the tale but I realise the flex might be a bit trickier. Any advice that's not along the lines of 'ring an electrician' would be welcome

 

[Spark123]

Replacing a ceiling rose isn't difficult, just make sure you turn off the power at the fuse box before working and make a note of which wire goes where before disconnecting any of the wires, there is a drawing of a normal ceiling rose here: http://www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:lighting:single_way_lighting:crnonharm

 

[flosswoss]

Thanks, that was really quick and ceiling rose sounds much more professional than round bit! The diagram looks a bit scary but I suppose it should all make sense once the rose is removed and I can see the actual wires.

 

[Spark123]

Like I said, make a note of which wire is where in the old rose before disconnecting. Maybe even take a photo of it.
You will probably have a switch live wire in there which is important not to connect incorrectly so make sure this one is identified before you disconnect.
On the other hand you may be lucky and there may only be one cable going to it.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

The diagram looks a bit scary but I suppose it should all make sense once the rose is removed and I can see the actual wires.

The diagram here: http://www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:lighting-circuit-layouts shows how you end up with all those wires at a ceiling rose, starting with the circuit cable running from one to the other, then adding switches, etc.

It is actually quite simple once you realise how it works.

The absolutely essential thing to do though is to identify the switched live, i.e. the blue or black on its own which is connected to the live of the light fitting, as it is common (normal?) for this not to be sleeved brown or red as it is supposed to be, as it is not a neutral.

 

[flosswoss]

Ta. That diagram actually makes sense and it does help to see the bigger picture of how it all works rather than just the one fitting in isolation. Hope I don't chicken out of doing it because I love it when I succeed at something new!

 

[flosswoss]

Mission accomplished - thanks everyone