Plug not earthed in lamp - is this right?

[RL19]

Hi All just opened the plug on this novelty lamp to find the earth is not connected? Doesn’t seem right to me as the lamp is a metal crane toy converted to a table lamp. Should i remake the connections to reconnect the earth? Thanks

 

[Fleeting]

Is the lamp holder brass?
Did it come from a reputable seller?

 

[RL19]

Is the lamp holder brass?
Did it come from a reputable seller?

Fair point the lamp holder is plastic which makes more sense thanks

 

[Fleeting]

Where did it come from?
Is the cable protected/restrained where it enters the bottom?
Using three core cable and cutting the earth off is suspicious as the metalwork maybe connected to that earth, how is it switched on and off?

 

[RL19]

Thanks from a craft fair

Cable enters through hole in bottom of crane so not restrained. Was originally switched on by the wall socket which was a pain so have put a switch in the cable

Is there any harm in just connecting up the earth regardless? Seems a pointless short cut to leave it off

Thanks

 

[Fleeting]

That is a poor attempt at electrifying. That cable should have restraint where it enters to prevent undue stress on the lamp connections, one comes out it could make the whole thing live. Where did it come from as I would not personally be using it, it would fail a PATest.

 

[binky]

as someone who converts things to lamps for a bit of hobby, that's poor work. The earth should not only be connected within the plug, it should also be connected to the metal of the crane to ensure full safety.

 

[SPECIAL LOCATION]

Just connecting a wire in the plug is worthless unless you can also verify continuity, insulation resistance and polarity (where applicable) to the whole fitting.

Personally I would not trust that around any of my loved ones as it looks like could be a bit of a death trap!

If it was sold as a fully functioning light, I would guess there could be grounds for legal action against the seller, for selling a potentially dangerous product!?

However if it was sold as 'non-functional', 'decorative', 'spares' or 'repairs'.. only, then possibly its an ok item.?

As Fleeting indicated... A "portable appliance test" (PAT), is an industry standard method of verifying that all sorts of plug-in appliances are electrically safe for use..

If the fitting did not come with any form of documentation or a label on it saying it has passed a PAT inspection, by a person with a traceable, calibrated PAT meter.. Then treat it with caution and do NOT assume it is electrically safe!

I would suggest getting a PAT done on the lamp.. which will then give you a list of any bits that need rectifying to make it all safe and good for anyone to use..

The bottom line is that electricity can kill a healthy adult in less than a second... the elderly or children are even more vulnerable...
So you need to evaluate who you think may be touching this lamp, switching it on/off..
and how much you value their life -vs- the cost of some formal electrical tests on the appliance..?

I don't know where you are in the country, therefore what the acceptable hourly rates are within your area?

Personally I don't do much PAT and reporting, just for a very few infrequent select number of previous customers who don't expect me to do essential safety testing and checking for peanuts..

(There are large PAT companies who use semi-skilled workers with a single button tester, to auto generate Pass or Fails, without understanding half of what they are doing, and charge stupidly cheap rates that are not economical for a skilled person!)

As a rough guide..
If you asked me to come and check this out for you, depending upon how far away you were...
I would be thinking, can I sort this in half an hour? or 1hour max including a bit of travel?
So I would be expecting £30 minimum for my time & effort..
possibly up to £50 or £60 max if I need to travel a bit further!

If I cannot do it economically for £60.. then there MUST be numerous other electricians more local who can fully test & check your lamp a lot cheaper, (maybe £40 to £50max?)

Hope that helps?