earthing for wall lights

[a12nfs]

replacing old wall lights with new. Wall fixture for old has pos. and neg but no earth ....would it suffice to combine earth of new fixture with negative. Otherwise any easy way of providing an earth without having to replaster/redecorate the room....A12

 

[ericmark]

You need a light with the

sign designed to have no earths. A separate earth wire needs to be at least 4mm and follow same route as main supply so really only method it to rewire.

 

[wingcoax]

NEVER EVER combine earth with neutral or line. This is a sure fire way to commit suicide. Has the earth been cut back.

 

[Taylortwocities]

You house is not a car
It does not use DC or batteries so you do not have positive and negative

It uses AC (alternating current) you have live and neutral.

Per the above. If the light fittings have an earth connection they will probably not be double insulated and you must not install these without an earth connection.

You have two options:
1. rewire your lighting circuit so that an earth is provided at all relavent points (note this includes light switches if you are using metal fittings)
or
2. take the wall lights back to the shop and get double insulated ones.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

If you do find that there is an earth conductor in the cable but it has been cut back then don't rely on it without getting an electrician in to check the circuit, because the sort of tw*t who would cut it off can't be trusted not to have done stupid things elsewhere.

 

[ricicle]

It uses AC (alternating current) you have live and neutral.

Line and Neutral

 

[Taylortwocities]

Yes I know that very well.

But please remember this is a DIY forum, and I try to keep it simple where at all possible.

If you want to indulge in a masterclass in the tiny changes in wordage that those guys in the marble edifice impose on us then may I suggest you register at www.theiet.org

 

[ban-all-sheds]

the marble edifice

So that's what they did with all the lost ones!

 

[ricicle]

Yes I know that very well.

But please remember this is a DIY forum, and I try to keep it simple where at all possible.

If you want to indulge in a masterclass in the tiny changes in wordage that those guys in the marble edifice impose on us then may I suggest you register at www.theiet.org

Calm down TTC. You started on the literacy correction..........

 

[Taylortwocities]

As Mrs Twocities always says

"I may make mistakes, but I am never wrong!"

 

[sparkwright]

See if the old wiring is in a concealed conduit.

This may make cable replacement easy without disturbing the decor.

 

[a12nfs]

thanks for useful replies....previous occupier was a dentist I dont know if he istalled these lights, but if he did I hope he was better at dentistry
A12