Is this Dunelm Augusta/ Bellus light fitting adequately earthed?

Joined
6 Feb 2012
Messages
83
Reaction score
7
Country
United Kingdom
17. Carefully position the ceiling plate over the ceiling bracket and firmly secure using the washers and screws. It is vital that these locking washers are fitted as they are required to achieve good earthing.

The fitting came without any washers and they weren't mentioned in the component list.

It may be that they have changed the design so that the washers aren't needed but they haven't updated the instruction sheet. Or do we actually need these washers to ensure adequate earthing.

I have contacted Dunelm and asked them to send me the washers but... still waiting.

Thanks Screenshot_20210409_122533_com.android.gallery3d.jpg Screenshot_20210409_122609_com.android.gallery3d.jpg 20210409_120517.jpg
 
Sponsored Links
17. Carefully position the ceiling plate over the ceiling bracket and firmly secure using the washers and screws. It is vital that these locking washers are fitted as they are required to achieve good earthing.

Star washers. They are normally fitted to cut through any surface oxidisation or coating, to ensure good contact. Yes, they ought to be fitted.
 
The original design may have had the Earth lead connected the the bracket and not to the metal dome. In which case the star washers would be essential to ensure continuity of Earth from bracket to dome.

With Earth connected to the dome the dome is earthed,

Of course get the Earth to the lamp requires that the Earth wire in the cable is connected to Earth at the consumer unit
 
They are referring to the Earth purely to the silver Ceiling bracket,
The actual light fitting is Earthed via the flex and the Green wire, the Earth then returns via the metal and screws, just to Earth that bracket.
The washers if any, are usually as said star washers and fit under the screws shown in your second pictures.
Many of them brackets come with an Earth wire attached or you can lug on an Earth if you have concerns
 
Sponsored Links
Thanks for that and also please, on the middle diagram below, is each washer fitted between the screw and the outside of the fitting, between the fitting and the ceiling strap, or on the inside of the ceiling strap.

Thanks again.
 
I would put the star washer between the screw head and the dome. This will reduce the risk of the screws coming loose if there is vibration involved ( kids in room above )
 
Check the screws first, they may have small teeth negating the need for the washers, personally the size of the heads I would not be too concerned about not fitting washers.
 
Ok we're getting there...

Having looked closer at the screw (see below) it does seem to be serrated on the underside so provided we screwed it in firmly would this negate the need for a washer?

Thanks in advance.
 

Attachments

  • Screenshot_20210409_134411_com.android.gallery3d.jpg
    Screenshot_20210409_134411_com.android.gallery3d.jpg
    153.8 KB · Views: 76
I find my arms are not strong enough to fit a large chandelier with ceiling rose any more, so I use these Ceiling rose.jpg which clearly do earth, however as to how well it would earth through a chain not so sure, we should use a earth loop impedance meter, but my son has mine, however all it needs to remove power is 30 mA leakage so not really that worried.
 
I find my arms are not strong enough to fit a large chandelier with ceiling rose any more, so I use these View attachment 229921 which clearly do earth, however as to how well it would earth through a chain not so sure, we should use a earth loop impedance meter, but my son has mine, however all it needs to remove power is 30 mA leakage so not really that worried.

Why are you relying on the chain? you can just run a three core flex down the chain.
 
Ok we're getting there...

Having looked closer at the screw (see below) it does seem to be serrated on the underside so provided we screwed it in firmly would this negate the need for a washer?

Thanks in advance.

No, you still need the star washers. The serrated underside of those screws will not break through any coating to provide a good earth. Those serrations are merely to help the screws becoming loose through vibrations. If you look closely you can see they are designed with the high edge to the left. This helps to bind it tight as you tighten it. The slightest turn to undo and they will immediately lose contact on those high edges.
 
Again on this site, we always much appreciate the help we get.

Thanks everyone.
 

DIYnot Local

Staff member

If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.

Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.


Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local

 
Sponsored Links
Back
Top