EARTHING A LIGHT

[gamblinharry]

Hi all,

I've just bought a new outside light to replace the existing one. However, when I've come to fit it, I've noticed that there is no earth wire attached to the existing light. The light is operated by a single gang switch and there is no earth attached to that either.

Can I spur off an earth from another nearby light fitting and attach this to both the light and the switch.

Any advice welcomed.

Many thanks.

 

[john24uk]

Have a good look at the cable sometimes they just snip the earth off

 

[riveralt]

Do the manufacturers instructions say there should be an earth or is it double insulated?

 

[gamblinharry]

Have a good look at the cable sometimes they just snip the earth off

There's definitely no earth near the cable end of the light fitting end or at the light switch?

 

[gamblinharry]

Do the manufacturers instructions say there should be an earth or is it double insulated?

The instructions are only illustrated by pictures. When showing the connection of the light to the mains, it shows that all 3 wires (live, neutral & earth) must be connected?

 

[1john]

odds are your lighting circuit is NOT earthed anywhere, should you decide to fit this light and you catch a wire. or a fault develops, the casing could become live and stay that way

 

[ban-all-sheds]

There's definitely no earth near the cable end of the light fitting end or at the light switch?

So until you get your lighting circuit(s) rewired (which you really should do), the following restrictions are vital:

• No lights which require an earth.
• No metal switches.