Are all plastic batten lamp holders "double insulated&q

[joeka101]

My new house was built in 1960 and as a result the lighting circuits have no CPC (earth) connection. Quotes for a rewire have been in the order of £1500 which we cannot afford (also we have just redecorated).

Had a sparky do a survey and confirmed the obvious - either rewire or use double insulated light fittings and switches. The previous owner has not done this and all lights are currently class 1 - ie should be earthed but are not...

We're going to install new double insulated fixtures in the same locations. However the living room only has 3 x wall lights (currently with 120W halogen in each) and despite looking on several "double insulated fittings" websites I cant find any fittings that would put out enough light (high enough wattage) and be a reasonable price

I plan on using all-plastic batten lamp holders (wall mounted at over 2.0m to replace the old fittings) with a separate wall mounted lamp shade over this (not connected in any way to the batten holder).

However, on looking through all technical specs for MK, Crabtree etc and googling the topic it seems most batten holders have an earthing terminal and none say "class 2 compliant / double insulated". I have seen mixed accounts from electricians on forums on whether all plastic battens (with HO skirt) are Class 2 compliant.

Three questions:
1 - Is the earthing terminal on plastic batten holders just there because most lighting circuits these days will have an earth wire to connect or is it "needed" (ie class 1)?
2 - Are they therefore class 2 compliant (double insulated) even if not explicitly stated?
3 - Is what I propose (plastic batten holder and separate shade) within the regs (NB it is NOT in a bathroom / kitchen etc as mentioned).

Many thanks,

Joe

 

[sparkwright]

As you say, the earth terminal on modern battenholders is just to connect any earth wires together, it's not connected to any metal parts of the battenholder. In other words you are fine to use it.

I'm sure I've seen some battenholders with a double insulated label on them. All standard battenholders made in the same way, and don't actually need an earth connection. In other words you are fine to use it.

No problem fitting these plastic fittings, you are only making replacements to existing wiring, and in fact you are improving it.

Remember you can get angled battenholders, which may be better than the usual straight ones.

A good experienced electrician should be able to rewire a lighting circuit with very minimal damage if he can lift a few floorboards or get in the loft space. Wiring of this age will almost certain have the switch drops in conduit, so the wall shouldn't need to be chased out.

I take it the wiring is PVC, and not rubber?

 

[joeka101]

Rapid reply, thanks!

Good to know - I suspected as much but appreciate it confirming. The existing T+E is indeed PVC and the exposed parts Ive seen show no signs of cracking etc. It does appear to be in conduit in some - but not all - parts of the circuit. It's protected by RCD re: the non-conduit areas.

The angled batten holders were exactly the kind I was looking at.

In terms of being within the regs - I meant more using a batten holder and separate shade in a class 2 application rather than the issue of me installing it - but thanks for clarifying!

Cheers mate.

 

[sparkwright]

Any cables not in conduit may be in the brick cavity on external walls, as this was the norm in 1960.