Bad wiring

[Multiplex]

I've just changed the extractor fan in my bathroom.

The wire from the wall surprised me...I know nothing about wiring but is this normal? The wire looked like this:

The three wires were connected to neutral, live, and switched live. The switched live was connected to the unshielded wire down the middle of the cable.

Isn't this supposed to be the earth wire?

Simon.

 

[plugwash]

yes it is supposed to be the earth wire

that cable needs to be replaced with a peice of 3 and earth ASAP
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Images/Products/size_3/CA1.5SLASH3.JPG

when useing it for fans its normal to use
blue-neutral
red-live
yellow-switched live
bare wire (with green/yellow sleeveing) earth

 

[securespark]

But the yellow and blue should be sleeved or marked with appropriate colours to show the function of the conductor, ie: if the yellow is to be used as switched live, it should be marked red, and if the blue is to be used as neutral, it should be marked black.