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Installing new metal light fitting - no earth available

  • 06-02-2015 8:14pm
    #1
    adrian92
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 566 ✭✭✭


    Would welcome any advice. I want to replace a ceiling light fitting with a new metal fitting . There is only phase and neutral and new fitting requires an earth.

    1. If neutral was strapped to the earth connection I can see how this would provide protection in the event of the metal fitting becoming live. What risk, if any, would this involve - or is this acceptable?

    2. If I do have to try to pick up an earth somewhere, is it ok to pick one up from a power socket outlet?

    Would welcome any advice. Thanks


Comments

  • #2
    Risteard81
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,567 ✭✭✭Risteard81


    No, you cannot create a TN-C system with a PEN conductor within the installation. This is extremely dangerous and illegal.


  • #3
    adrian92
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 566 ✭✭✭adrian92


    Risteard81 wrote: »
    No, you cannot create a TN-C system with a PEN conductor within the installation. This is extremely dangerous and illegal.

    Thanks for reply. Do you know why it is dangerous?

    Any ideas on solution ?


  • #4
    2011
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 12,641 Mod ✭✭✭✭2011


    adrian92 wrote: »
    Would welcome any advice. I want to replace a ceiling light fitting with a new metal fitting . There is only phase and neutral and new fitting requires an earth.

    Remember a neutral in a properly functioning circuit can carry as current much a phase conductor.
    1. If neutral was strapped to the earth connection I can see how this would provide protection in the event of the metal fitting becoming live. What risk, if any, would this involve - or is this acceptable?

    No, this is not acceptable.
    What do you think would happen if the neutral were to become disconnected downstream of the light?
    2. If I do have to try to pick up an earth somewhere, is it ok to pick one up from a power socket outlet?

    Not ideal, but a substantial improvement on the above suggestion :)


  • #5
    Doodoo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 430 ✭✭Doodoo


    Either don't install it or wire a new earth from your consumer unit. There are no short cuts.


  • #6
    adrian92
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 566 ✭✭✭adrian92


    Thanks all for suggestions. Looks like no short cut.

    I'll pick up the earth direct from Consumer Unit.


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  • #7
    Bruthal
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,422 ✭✭✭✭Bruthal


    adrian92 wrote: »
    Thanks all for suggestions. Looks like no short cut.

    I'll pick up the earth direct from Consumer Unit.

    That would be best, as 2011 and Risteard suggest, connecting the neutral to the earth terminal is a complete cowboy solution.


  • #8
    MrWatt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10 ✭MrWatt


    adrian92 wrote: »
    Would welcome any advice. I want to replace a ceiling light fitting with a new metal fitting . There is only phase and neutral and new fitting requires an earth.

    1. If neutral was strapped to the earth connection I can see how this would provide protection in the event of the metal fitting becoming live. What risk, if any, would this involve - or is this acceptable?

    2. If I do have to try to pick up an earth somewhere, is it ok to pick one up from a power socket outlet?

    Would welcome any advice. Thanks

    Use a Class II double insulated light fixture if you have no earth. They designed for that purpose, no earth. Double insulated fixtures can be recognized by their symbol which is a small square inside a bigger square


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