Switched live identification: which statement best describes the purpose of sleeving in a lighting circuit?

• A. To indicate it is the neutral
• B. To indicate it is the switched live
• C. To indicate it is earth
• D. To indicate it is a permanent live

Answer: (B)

In a lighting circuit, sleeving is used to identify the conductor that becomes live when the switch is operated—the switched live. By applying a colored sleeve to that wire, you can tell at a glance that this conductor is not a neutral or earth but the live return from the switch. This labeling helps prevent dangerous mistakes during installation or maintenance, since mistaking a switched live for neutral could cause shocks or damage. The neutral, earth, and permanent live conductors have their own identifications, so sleeving the switched live keeps its function clear even if the wire’s base color might suggest something else.