On two occasions recently when changing light fittings I've been bored enough (after fitting the light naturally), to read the instructions that came with them...
Two different manufacturers (or at least brands) have had instructions calling for terminals to be covered in insulation tape...
Exhibit 1:
![[ElectriciansForums.net] Dodgy Manufacturers Instructions for lights](https://www.electriciansforums.net/attachments/mi-jpg.91423/ "[ElectriciansForums.net] Dodgy Manufacturers Instructions for lights")
In this particular case, it was even more ridiculous to suggest it, given that the terminal block was attached to the lamp base with the standard 'tab' to provide earthing contact, so it wouldn't be possible even if you wanted to...
I've never seen it suggested before - is this something that is common in other countries, or manufacturers trying to avoid double insulating their cables for cost reasons?
How does this square with the general idea that 'insulation' tape is for everything BUT insulation (personally I use it mostly as a plaster), but a requirement to take Manufacturers instructions into account when installing fittings?
Neither of these lights were cheap either btw - First was from John Lewis, and the second was from Waitrose, so not at the Screwfix end of the market...
The only time I consider using 'insulation' in this way is those hideous 'Class 2' metal fittings that have the rubber tube and tiny white box with 2 metal terminals inside. Those are usually punted into the furthest recess, and if it's an outside light I'll use SA tape to cover Wago fittings....
Two different manufacturers (or at least brands) have had instructions calling for terminals to be covered in insulation tape...
Exhibit 1:
In this particular case, it was even more ridiculous to suggest it, given that the terminal block was attached to the lamp base with the standard 'tab' to provide earthing contact, so it wouldn't be possible even if you wanted to...
I've never seen it suggested before - is this something that is common in other countries, or manufacturers trying to avoid double insulating their cables for cost reasons?
How does this square with the general idea that 'insulation' tape is for everything BUT insulation (personally I use it mostly as a plaster), but a requirement to take Manufacturers instructions into account when installing fittings?
Neither of these lights were cheap either btw - First was from John Lewis, and the second was from Waitrose, so not at the Screwfix end of the market...
The only time I consider using 'insulation' in this way is those hideous 'Class 2' metal fittings that have the rubber tube and tiny white box with 2 metal terminals inside. Those are usually punted into the furthest recess, and if it's an outside light I'll use SA tape to cover Wago fittings....
