Fitting a PIR sensor light.

[Nikko12g]

Hi all,

I have just purchased a new sensor light 150w/500w halogen floodlight.I wanted to wire it up to the wiring which is already in place for the exsisting light which is a standard switch on and off type of light.I have taken the old light down and the only wiring that is there is 1 black wire and 1 red wire but this new light needs an earth.Can anybody help, how do i connect an earth or do i really need 1?.

Cheers

 

[bernardgreen]

If the instructions say it needs an earth then it does need an earth.

And common sense says that for safety anything that is going to get wet and has electricity in it is likely to need an earth.

What can you do. trace the two wires back to where they come from and if there is an effective earth there then replace with twin and earth and wire in the earth wire as required.

Or install triple and earth ready for installing an override switch if ( or when ) when you you find the PIR doesn't work as expected.

A 500 watt outside light needs approval from the Local Authorityl. as does installing any new lamp on the outside of the house. Part P of the building regulations.

 

[riveralt]

A 500 watt outside light needs approval from the Local Authorityl. as does installing any new lamp on the outside of the house. Part P of the building regulations.

I didn't think you need to inform them for a straight swop - or are we into the 'd e f i n i t i o n' of what constitutes a straight swop?

 

[bernardgreen]

Being pedantic, it isn't a straight swop as the previous lamp was apparently double insulated and did not need an earth. This one needs an earth so this is not a like for like swop,

Of course the previous one may have required an earth and the "electrician" who installed it bodged the job.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Nikko. Have a good look at the cable feeding the light. The earth may be there, but cut back. If it is there, check it is actually connected to earth.