Browse Forums DIY, Home Maintenance & Repair 1 Aug 08, 2010 11:16 pm I have a house built in Adelaide in the '60s. I need to replace one of the light fittings, but I am unsure if I need double insulated fittings as the wiring consists of 3 x 2 core (active/neutral loop-in, active/neutral loop-out, switched active) and a single core, all with PVC insulation. I would assume the single core wire is an earth, except that 1) it is connected to the neutral at the light, and 2) the colour under the PVC is red! The single core wires appear to be present on all the original fittings, and seem to head down the walls rather than be connected to any obvious earthing network in the roof. In contrast the socket outlets in the house also use 2 core (active/neutral) wiring, but with an obvious un-insulated copper earth network in the roof, which connects to all the sockets. Does anyone have any idea whether the single core wires going to my light fittings are likely to be earths, or what other function they may have? Thanks. Re: Lighting earthing system 2Aug 09, 2010 12:33 am I'm sure it isn't the answer you are looking for, but....don't risk it! Get a sparky out and get them to sort it out. A few years back, I went fishing with a bloke who worked for the state electric company. He got called out to attend a house where a bloke was doing some wiring in the roof and got himself killed. Had the wife and kids in the house at the time. That would be hugely traumatic for all involved. Like I say, not exactly the answer your looking for, but I think it needs to be said. Re: Lighting earthing system 3Aug 09, 2010 12:38 pm I think if any of us knew the answer and you messed up we could be sued by your widow, so I suggest you get an electrician Arfur Re: Lighting earthing system 5Aug 09, 2010 4:49 pm Thanks for the replies. I have already had an electrician out to look, and he suggested the double insulated lights without actually looking at the wiring. I have since tried to source some double insulated lights with no real success. My aim in asking the original question was to educate myself about what is actually there so that I can make an informed decision about whether to try harder to get double insulated lights or whether to find another electrician who will actually take a look and potentially upgrade or run a new circuit if required. If double insulated lights are a reasonable option, can someone suggest a good place to buy them? Building Standards; Getting It Right! 1. optional, you can but normally just use the earth from the main switch board 2. should be enough but the distance determines voltage drop - sparky should work it… 1 28819 I have a really long hallway which is 1100mm W x 11500mm L I would appreciate if anyone can give suggestions to light it up with Linear LED lights that goes from wall to… 0 8820 What? It's a lighting question, the control joint is only needed at 12m centres, a bulkhead or change of direction will suffice as a 'break' in the ceiling, just make… 8 8587 |