At the ceiling, the new light fitting needs to be connected to a Switched Live wire - a wire that is live when the switch is on but no longer live when the switch is off - this way you can control the light.
In the UK the cable that runs off to the wall switch has Red and Black conductors. Power goes off to the switch on the RED wire and comes back on a BLACK wire - this is the switched live and should connect to the lamp fitting - the power to the bulbs. The switched live usually has (should always have) and identifying red or brown sleeve on it.
It is not unusual for people to connect this switched live wire to a Neutral wire at the ceiling in the mistaken belief that if it's Black it must be neutral. If they do this and then throw the switch it results in a blown fuse/tripped breaker and sometimes a melted switch.
Find the Switched Live - connect it to the light. Connect the other side of the light to Neutral to complete the circuit.
Take care and remember Lord Finchley (look him up)
Peccavi
January 2009
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