Wall light no earth

[cmj306]

Hello

Our lounge has two wires sticking from the wall where there were once wall lights. The wires end in taped-up chock-blocks, and I had planned to get some lights to connect them to. However a quick look has revealed that there is no earth, just the live+neutral.

I guess this will restrict what lights I can fit to ones without exposed metal parts. Would say a plaster one be okay, or is it more complicated than that?

It's also just occurred to me that I probably should test that the switch that I think powers them does actually do so.

 

[Taylortwocities]

If there is no earth then you will need lights that are double insulated (aka Class II).
These are identified by a sticker on them like this

So it will depend on your light fitting, even metal ones may be ok, provided it is actually double-insulated.
Do look closely at the cable, sometimes the earth conductor is there but just cut back

I probably should test that the switch that I think powers them does actually do so.

Absolutely

 

[securespark]

Yup, and don't use a volt stick or neon driver.

Use a multimeter or other two pole device to get an accurate indication of voltage.

 

[cmj306]

Thanks. at least one of the lights I was looking at says it's double insulated, so should be able to find something I like. Now finding something SWMBO likes may be a different matter

I have one of those useless detectors (a screwdriver that lights up) the problem is it lights up for pretty much anything. Including holding both both ends in your hands. Will get the multimeter out and check the wires. I couldn't see any earth cut back but not had a good look.

 

[Taylortwocities]

I have one of those useless detectors (a screwdriver that lights up) the problem is it lights up for pretty much anything.

Yes, they are pretty useless for anything - not much good as a screwdriver either. And they lie to you, as you have found out.
Best place for it

Untitled

• Taylortwocities
• 11 Feb 2009
• 20

 

[Gerrydelasel]

the problem is it lights up for pretty much anything. Including holding both both ends in your hands.

Um... that's not normal...

 

[EFLImpudence]

It sounds like the LED (not neon) testers

which are more useful for testing continuity of fuses etc.

 

[cmj306]

Looks a bit like that. I think it came free with something else. Don't think i've ever used it for anything more than levering the cover off something!