Earthing in bathroom halogen lights

jonnyspeed · Jul 3, 2010

Hi does anyone know if it's part of the regs to earth halogen lights if they don't have an earth installed in them? Do I just run the cpc through the junction boxes as usual or will I have to make earth connections on the metal parts of the light as well by drilling holes in it with nut and bolt etc? Hope it isn't the latter to be honest. Anyway if you know where it is in BRB please let me know too so I can read up on it.

Thankyou

Jonny

sellers · Jul 3, 2010

It depends if your light fittings are class 2 or not. Look for a square inside a square symbol. Most downlighters are but I'd look to make sure. If so then just connect your earths in the JB without taking and earth to the fitting.

jonnyspeed · Jul 3, 2010

There's no double insulation symbol on it. Only a live and neutral wire can be connected at the moment. Does this mean that it is assumed as being double insulated anyway or will I have to connect the earth to the exposed metal on the light via drilling and bolting on? Or is there another way I haven't though of? ;0/

Andy™ · Jul 3, 2010

check manufacturers instructions - should say if its class I or II. but if there is no earth connection, then it should be class II. if it is, and you add an earth, your introducing a risk that was never going to be there

jonnyspeed · Jul 3, 2010

No manufacturers instructions to hand. Shall I terminate both earth ends with chock blocks on each light?

sparkytim · Jul 3, 2010

Most fittings have just L and N leads from lamp holder and are class 2.

Many of the better quality type will have an enclosed terminal block that includes a CPC parking terminal.

If not then you should still bring a CPC to the fitting or JB adjacent.

ALL connections should be enclosed to comply with Regs.