New lights - but no earth cable visible

[tneville]

I'm replacing an old light fitting with a new spotlight, but when I removed the old fitting I found 2/3 red cables (live I assume) and 2/3 black (neutral), and no sign of an earth cable. The light switch however, has one red, one black, and an earth cable.

The new fitting must be earthed according to the installation instructions, so unless I come across an earth at the ceiling guess they will have to go back to Homebase, but not sure why there would be an earth at the switch and none at the ceiling ?

I read in other posts that no earth on the lighting circuit is common in older houses, my house must have been built early 1970s, so not sure if that is 'old' in electrical installation speak.

I also read I can use double insulated fittings, or plastic ones I guess, but would prefer the metal ones.

Would welcome confirmation of anything above fron an expert.

 

[ricicle]

If you are sure that there is no earth at the light then the switch could have been moved sometime in the past and a newer twin + earth cable used.You must not connect a class 1 light to a circuit with no earth.
The main options you have are:-

-Take the new light back and get a class 2 one.
-Have the lights inspected/rewired by a pro spark

 

[tneville]

Thanks, def no earth at the ceiling, just three x red and three x black.

Have taken the fittings back to Homebase now.

Can't find many places on the internet selling double insulated spotlight fittings, found one at http://www.double-insulated-lighting.co.uk/, but three times price of Homebase and not much choice, and ideas anyone ?

Failing that will get a sparky round to take a look. Looks like may be a toss up between expensive fittings (if I can find any my wife likes) and electrician's bill + cheaper fittings.

Other thing that got metioned to me by a chap in a light shop, was using a transformer and low voltage lights, although was told these also need earthing as well now, and think the wiring of all that would be beyond me anyway.

 

[securespark]

Thanks, def no earth at the ceiling, just three x red and three x black.

They've not been cut back??

See this thread for my advice to another poster in a similar situation:

//www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=78468