Outside Light Cables

[Paul17088071]

Hi all. I am reinstalling an outside light, and having taken off the old light I’ve come across these cables.

I know red is the live and black is the neutral, but what is the long cable I can’t see any insulation on, is this the earth?

Thanks, Paul

 

[ETAF]

it is earth and should have green/yellow sleeving on

 

[Paul17088071]

Great many thanks, I’d this dangerous having so much cable exposed?

 

[JohnD]

Great many thanks, I’d this dangerous having so much cable exposed?

It will soon be insulated, with the G&Y sleeving you are going to add, and will be enclosed within the lighting fitting. It is shoddy practice to leave it bare. Leaving the other two exposed, however, is potentially dangerous.

All electric cables are usually insulated or enclosed, but the earthwire, if properly connected, is the one that is safe to touch.

 

[thomp1983]

Have a closer look at that red wire too, insulation looks damaged just after it leaves the grey pvc outer, if there's copper showing it will need a suitable repair

 

[SUNRAY]

Hi all. I am reinstalling an outside light, and having taken off the old light I’ve come across these cables.

I know red is the live and black is the neutral, but what is the long cable I can’t see any insulation on, is this the earth?

Thanks, Paul

Your red and black have suffered damage and require TLC

EDIT: Sorry Thomp didn't see yours before posting.

 

[ericmark]

Also be aware that UV rays from the sun can damage cable, we normally use black cable where it is in the sun. Also water can follow cables, it would be normal to either seal where they come in or have the cable with a U so water drips off cable rather than follow it into the fitting, and also have a small drain hole in the fitting.

I do myself have some twin and earth outside, but not in direct sun light, and the fitting is so close to lander it never gets wet, yours may be the same?