Using existing wiring to wire outdoor light?

[d3v]

So I've just removed a cracked lightbulb housing and didn't expect so many wires.

I have a new lightbulb housing but before I fit it I want to know if I can use these wires to wire an outdoor PIR security light?

The external wall is just to the right of the photo so I can run a straight line of flex through the wall.

As for these 3 cables.
The left hand one traces through the wall into the pantry lightbulb which are both controlled with a single wall switch just out of shot.

The top wire traces up through the ceiling to the bathroom.

The wire on the right hand side traces into the wall switch that is just out of camera shot.


I want the outdoor PIR light to independent isolated with a switch so we can switch it off in daylight time avoid pets and birds from tripping it.


Any advice is much appreciated.

 

[terryplumb]

Did you take pictures of the wiring connections before removing them ?
Do you have any electrical testing instruments .

 

[Deryck Tintagel]

There should be no need to isolate a PIR lamp during the day as it will have a daylight sensor built in.

From what you have told us I can take a GUESS at the wiring you have but @terryplumb is right

 

[eveares]

It's hard to say for sure, but your description makes it sound like the left hand one was the feed to the pantry light/switch, the top wire was the feed/supply from the bathroom and the wire on the right hand side was for the switch for the light you have removed.

But without seeing how it was wired before hand, it's impossible to say for sure based on just your photo.

 

[d3v]

Damm I can't believe I forgot to add the photo i took before I removed it! I hope this helps!

 

[d3v]

I picked up a new bulb socket and also what was the only thing in Wickes that looked remotely similar to the old "junction box" thingy however upon opening the top cover looks nothing alike. Also I can't figure out how to access the 4 brass grubscrews as if they're upside down.

Yes I have a full sparkies kit, multimeter too.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Make sure that you mark the black and red conductors that are in the right hand side of the old connector. If you don’t then you are going to have a day of pain, AND you’ll need your full sparkles kit and the multimeter!!

 

[terryplumb]

Looks like there is a permanent live,neutral( and of course an earth ) present. It's the middle twin and earth cable in the pic. And you can pick up a supply from it to your new light.
Did you identify each cable before removing them .

 

[trojanhawrs]

The old "junction box thingy" is part of your old light fitting - your new one doesnt have one. You should have got a normal batten holder if you wanted the same terminals. Wire up as before and add a cable for your pir light using the earth, neutral and loop terminals.

 

[trojanhawrs]

And drill on a slope when making a hole in the outer wall so that water can't run in.

 

[Jurassicspark]

And make sure you add sleeving to the earth wires.