Light fitting wires

[Fleeting]

OP how far up does the right side contact in the lampholder protrude?
The picture is not clear but everything indicates it is not polarity biased.

 

[Fleeting]

This is an EN 60238 lampholder and the arrangement of the contacts and the construction of the lampholder make in non polarity biased, yours is like this I believe but a clearer picture at an angle may help.

 

[Murdoch]

But you should make the one at the bottom the live

 

[Fleeting]

But you should make the one at the bottom the live

That is not the case read Regulation 559.5.1.206

 

[ProDave]

That is not the case read Regulation 559.5.1.206

It is the case if you want to do things to be as safe as they technically can be. An electrician can in a few seconds determine which wire goes to which pin and connect them appropriatelty. Why would you not do that?

 

[Fleeting]

It is the case if you want to do things to be as safe as they technically can be. An electrician can in a few seconds determine which wire goes to which pin and connect them appropriatelty. Why would you not do that?

But it will be technically safe however you connect it. I'm pushing 60 so know how we used to do things but this change came in years ago but some people don't realise it or accept it.

 

[binky]

I disagree.

That is an SES Small Edison Screw lamp holder.

The bottom / left contact in that lamp holder touches the bottom of the lamp That should connect to L.
The top / right contact, makes contact with the metal screw thread of the lamp, that should connect to N.

This is important because if someone tries unscrewing the lamp while it is on, they might be able to touch the screw thread part of the lamp, which could be disastrous if that was connected to L

Anyone else back me up on this?

Yes it will "work" either way, but I do not believe it will be safe if connected wrong.

That is the correct way to wire an Eddie.

 

[Stevie R]

Can you show the inside of one of the lampholders.

Attached photo shows the whole fitting

 

[Fleeting]

If the off centre contact comes up the side then it does need to be polarity biased but I still can't make it out.

 

[Stevie R]

If the off centre contact comes up the side then it does need to be polarity biased but I still can't make it out.View attachment 17280

I’ve attached a better picture

 

[ProDave]

I am convinced the EIT have had a sanity transplant.

How can "how far up the outer terminal" comes affect whether it is polarity sensitive or not.

Fact, the outer terminal makes contact with the outer screw thread body on an ES lamp. Convention and common sense says that connects to neutral because in many cases it is possible to touch that if you try and remove a lamp while it is energised.

Fact. you can insert a finger into the lamp holder when the lamp is removed, you are likely to contact that outer (and slightly taller) contact first. Just because it is a bit shorter does not mean you cannot touch it.

I am dismayed that we now ignore common sense and good engineering practice because someone in a suit has said it is "safe"

Frankly (and I have said it before) the best thing the EIT could do is outlaw the use of ES and BC lamps as an outdated, unsafe form of light fitting. What is the point in making our electrical installations safe in every respect so all live parts are enclosed and can only be accessed by the use of tools, and then still allow the use of lamp holders that allow any fool to touch live parts.

I am glad I am retiring so won't have to be party to this nonsense and can just carry on respecting good sound engineering practice.