wiring querie

[46150]

The lens on an outdoor light was cracked and had to be replaced with a complete unit.When i removed the old unit under the eaves i found there were four wires instead of the usual three.White,Black Green and two reds joined in the socket.I was told that the two joined red wires did not have to be screwed into the bulb holder,but to be joined with a connector,insulated with tape and placed back in the ceiling.Is this correct,and if so how does that work? Regards............AL

[Skew ChiDAMN!!]

Assuming that whoever told you this is a competent electrician and has traced the circuits the most likely reason is that the two red wires are feeding somewhere else and were simply using an "unused" connector on the back of the old light fitting to join them together.

This is common practice as it's quicker 'n easier to run lengths of cable between fixtures and join them there than it is to feed long, continuous lengths from fusebox to final fixture. (Enough so that the saving in labour more than makes up for the cost of any connectors!)

[46150]

...........Hmm, Yea Skew,after reading your reply,I can go along with what you say,considering there is another light further down the patio...............AL

[Rossluck]

If you don't understand what's happening with it, Al, don't touch it. Get a sparkie.