Earth a metal lamp

freddie

Hi Guys

I have designed a lamp and am hoping to build and sell them. The lamp's body is all metal, but the fittings are plastic. I was wondering...do i need to earth the lamp even though there is no earth connection on the switch or lampholder.

If any of you can suggest a good on line store for components, wires etc i would really appreciate it also. And finally if anybody knows of any regulations or certs i need that would be brilliant.

thanks in advance

freddie

DublinDilbert

freddie wrote: »

Hi Guys

I have designed a lamp and am hoping to build and sell them. The lamp's body is all metal, but the fittings are plastic. I was wondering...do i need to earth the lamp even though there is no earth connection on the switch or lampholder.

If any of you can suggest a good on line store for components, wires etc i would really appreciate it also. And finally if anybody knows of any regulations or certs i need that would be brilliant.

thanks in advance

freddie

There are both electrical and mechanical issues which can cause safety problems.

You will not need an earth wire if the appliance is doubly insulated, this means there should be 2 layers of insulation between the live/neutral conductors and the metal parts of the lamp.

If your going to start selling something as a product you'll want to get someone who knows what they are doing to check it out from a safety/quality point of view....

I'm not sure what testing is required on each product you make also, i'd imagine some sort of HiPot test for the insulation....

freddie

Thanks DublinDilbert

We have plenty of insulation between the wire and the metal, and will have more when the design is finalised. We will definatly have someone check over them before we do anything! Thanks for the reply.

freddie

grinderstone

Nah,you'll be ok not earthing it! Just make sure you're wearing wellington boots and rubber gloves every time you turn it on!

Btw,if you have a pacemaker......nah,better not go there:D

Steve

freddie wrote: »

And finally if anybody knows of any regulations or certs i need that would be brilliant.

thanks in advance

freddie

It would need to be CE certified, not too difficult, just means getting the documentation right.
LVD would apply to a lamp and would ensure compliance.

http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/electr_equipment/lv/index.htm

The Low Voltage Directive (LVD) 2006/95/EC (*) seeks to ensure that electrical equipment within certain voltage limits both provides a high level of protection for European citizens and enjoys a Single Market in the European Union. The Directive covers electrical equipment designed for use with a voltage rating of between 50 and 1000 V for alternating current and between 75 and 1500 V for direct current. It should be noted that these voltage ratings refer to the voltage of the electrical input or output, not to voltages that may appear inside the equipment. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]For most electrical equipment, the health aspects of emissions of Electromagnetic Fields are also under the domain of the Low Voltage Directive.[/FONT]

If you are planning to sell any quantity of these then you should also consider product liability insurance - in case the worst happens and you get sued.