Help!!! Light fitting with 3 clear wires

[Qhayley]

Hi,
I have a light I want to hang up. But when I cut the wire shorter there was no standard wires, just 3 clear ones. Looking at them close I see one has a light blue strip, another has a White strip and the other has none. They where originally in a connected block in the right L/N &E place but when I cut the wire shorter I lost with one sent where! Do if any one can pls help me identify which wire is which I would be really greatfull. Thanks

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Look at where each one is connected within the light itself. It is absolutely essential that you identify which is the earth - L vs N is unlikely to matter, but unless you can find the earth by inspection or by testing then you'll either have to get an electrician or throw the light away.

 

[GaryMo]

If the lampholder is an ES (screw type) then you need to ensure the line conductor connects to the centre pin and neutral to the outer screw thread.
If it's BC (bayonet type) then polarity doesn't really matter unless the terminals at the lampholder are marked with L & N.

 

[pjcomp]

These clear cables are the spawn of the devil and shouldn't be allowed! Notionally there is a blue thread in the neutral, a brown one in the line and a green or yellow one in the earth, but as the OP has found that ain't always the case. And it can be easy to mistake a light brown for a darkish yellow (as I found on one occasion!!). Before hanging the light fitting, and with a suitable lamp inserted, it should be possible to identify live and neutral by continuity if you have an appropriate tester

PJ

 

[Chri5]

These clear cables are the spawn of the devil and shouldn't be allowed! Notionally there is a blue thread in the neutral, a brown one in the line and a green or yellow one in the earth, but as the OP has found that ain't always the case. And it can be easy to mistake a light brown for a darkish yellow (as I found on one occasion!!). Before hanging the light fitting, and with a suitable lamp inserted, it should be possible to identify live and neutral by continuity if you have an appropriate tester

PJ

Set on continuity a mult meter will indicate. All you need. Since the fitting is likely to be metal, prope on that (chcking a suitable true metal contact- some areas might be painted or laquered) and a run with the other probe over each of the ends does the earth.