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Neutral split into Earth

  • 13-10-2019 04:11PM
    #1
    patrickspicture
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 95 ✭✭


    Hi. I was looking at replacing a light fixture and when I took it apart I saw that someone split the neutral wire in 2 with the second wire being connected to the Earth. I did see before the connector there is a ground cable so I have no idea why someone would do that.

    Is there any good reason to do this? As I always was told neutral still carries electricity.
    Thank you


Comments

  • #2
    2011
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 12,692 Mod ✭✭✭✭2011


    This is not permitted in the way you describe. This can introduce an additional risk under certain conditions. My advice: Don’t do this and where it is done, get it sorted properly.


  • #3
    foxy farmer
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,194 ✭✭✭foxy farmer


    I'm guessing that it's a 3 core cable twin and earth. and a lazy electrician has used some blue insulation to shroud the bare earth. Throw up a pic if you can.


  • #4
    patrickspicture
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 95 ✭✭patrickspicture


    will put up a photo when I get a chance. Don't know the correct term but have 2 blue wires taped together with yellow tape coming out of the neutral port of the connector with one connected to the n in the fixture and the other connected to the part with an Earth symbol on it.
    It isn't the 1st crazy electrical thing we found in the house. Am replacing it which is why I opened it up so doesn't really matter. But will check the other similar fixture.


  • #5
    Risteard81
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,566 ✭✭✭Risteard81


    patrickspicture wrote: »
    Hi. I was looking at replacing a light fixture and when I took it apart I saw that someone split the neutral wire in 2 with the second wire being connected to the Earth. I did see before the connector there is a ground cable so I have no idea why someone would do that.

    Is there any good reason to do this? As I always was told neutral still carries electricity.
    Thank you
    Dangerous and illegal.


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