UK Is a standard Pendant a Class 2 fitting?

bilabonic · Mar 1, 2022

Hi All

I’m presuming a standard pendant is a class 2 fitting as the earth terminals are not needed as it’s a plastic fitting and it only has an insulated 2 core going to the actual ‘lamp part’.

Am I correct in thinking this?

The reason I ask is Screwfix have replied to someone’s question that it is a class 1 and requires an earth? Even though it is only used to loop in/out.

Can anyone clarify this for me.

Thanks

[ElectriciansForums.net] Is a standard Pendant a Class 2 fitting?

David Prosser · Mar 1, 2022

I'm more interested in who asked the question on Screwfix?

DPG · Mar 1, 2022

I would say the pendant as a whole is NOT class 2. It has an earth terminal and so cannot be defined as class 2.

loz2754 · Mar 1, 2022

And a pendant does not (usually) have the double insulated symbol on it.

nicebutdim · Mar 1, 2022

As with all lighting points an earth is required. That it isn't carried to the lamp holder is neither here nor there.

I can't help thinking there is more to this question - perhaps it might be best to ask all you want to know.

Dave OCD · Mar 1, 2022

I'd say that the earth terminal within an insulated pendant base is purely there as either a parking or loop terminal depending on the wiring method and serves no other purpose with regard to the fitting. So in a situation where the lighting cable has no cpc and rewiring just isn't an option at that time then the pendant is a far safer and satisfactory alternative to a metal Class 1 fitting.

DPG · Mar 1, 2022

Dave OCD said:
I'd say that the earth terminal within an insulated pendant base is purely there as either a parking or loop terminal depending on the wiring method and serves no other purpose with regard to the fitting. So in a situation where the lighting cable has no cpc and rewiring just isn't an option at that time then the pendant is a far safer and satisfactory alternative to a metal Class 1 fitting.

Agree. But it's not classified as class II.

Pretty Mouth · Mar 1, 2022

MK pendant set, class II:

DPG · Mar 1, 2022

Pretty Mouth said:
MK pendant set, class II:
View attachment 95600

For flip's sake, that's my post blown out of the water. Cheers!

But then, hold on - that's only the holder part. The assembly is not class 2.

Pretty Mouth · Mar 1, 2022

DPG said:
For flip's sake, that's my post blown out of the water. Cheers!

But then, hold on - that's only the holder part. The assembly is not class 2.

Haha, who knows? Maybe you're right. I wouldn't have said it was class I anyway

James · Mar 1, 2022

DPG said:
For flip's sake, that's my post blown out of the water. Cheers!

But then, hold on - that's only the holder part. The assembly is not class 2.

just checked a BG pendant and it has no symbols or markings to help us.
and for the first time ever, i have actually read the enclosed instruction leaflet and it also has no useful information.

DPG · Mar 1, 2022

James said:
just checked a BG pendant and it has no symbols or markings to help us.

I'm sure any assembly that has an earth point or an earth cable entering it cannot be classified as a class 2 device. I would put a fiver on it. And I'm from Yorkshire.

And if that has no symbols on it then that confirms it isn't class 2.

Pretty Mouth · Mar 1, 2022

From definitions:

Class II equipment. Equipment in which protection against electric shock does not rely on basic insulation only, but in which additional safety precautions such as supplementary insulation are provided, there being no provision for the connection of exposed metalwork of the equipment to a protective conductor, and no reliance upon precautions to be taken in the fixed wiring of the installation (see BS EN 6 1140).

nicebutdim · Mar 1, 2022

DPG said:
I'm sure any assembly that has an earth point or an earth cable entering it cannot be classified as a class 2 device. I would put a fiver on it. And I'm from Yorkshire.

Some of the better class II fittings have a terminal in which to park an earth.

Pretty Mouth · Mar 1, 2022

We need a copy of BS61140 to properly work this one out, which we're not going to get, so you're fiver's safe @DPG (for now)

littlespark · Mar 1, 2022

I believe pendants, or more specifically the lamp holder is a special case when it comes to regs.
Access to live parts, where anyone can easily stick a finger in and touch the pins.
Although I think new lamp holders don’t power up unless a lamp is fitted.

As for class I or II… A pendant is made up of a ceiling rose, basically a junction box, a length of 2 core flex and a lamp holder.
The double insulated symbol must only be for the lamp holder part.

Dave OCD · Mar 1, 2022

The vast majority of BC lampholders don't have any additional safety features , I think Crabtree did/still do one.

westward10 · Mar 1, 2022

There is no way that pendant holder it Class II is has exposed live pins. The part no is K1170RPWHI and the only site which shows that symbol is Amazon none of the other sites do.

brianmoooore · Mar 1, 2022

westward10 said:
There is no way that pendant holder it Class II is has exposed live pins. The part no is K1170RPWHI and the only site which shows that symbol is Amazon none of the other sites do.

So Amazon is adding unauthorised 'Double insulated' labels to a product?
Sounds a bit like my dubious market trader relative and his roll of self adhesive 'CE' labels.

westward10 · Mar 1, 2022

brianmoooore said:
So Amazon is adding unauthorised 'Double insulated' labels to a product?
Sounds a bit like my dubious market trader relative and his roll of self adhesive 'CE' labels.

Who knows but it is odd this product on other sites does not show it and its position and everything about it is odd.

7029 dave · Mar 1, 2022

My GF mum house has no earth on the lighting circuits, pre 1966 build, has some metal light fittings, she is 90 years old and does not want the house rewiring.
I changed a faulty metal class1 fitting for a pendant (to her disapproval) , have advised to replace the other remaining fittings cant do no more.

Pretty Mouth · Mar 1, 2022

westward10 said:
There is no way that pendant holder it Class II is has exposed live pins. The part no is K1170RPWHI and the only site which shows that symbol is Amazon none of the other sites do.

Not from Amazon, I bought this from Screwfix.

westward10 · Mar 1, 2022

Pretty Mouth said:
Not from Amazon, I bought this from Screwfix.

It looks a bit ad hoc I would query it with MK.

nicebutdim · Mar 1, 2022

Part number would be K1186WHI

I'm guessing it must be the 'shockguard' version, which only makes connection when lamp is fitted.

Edit: That part number isn't one of their shockguard pendants.

Pretty Mouth · Mar 1, 2022

westward10 said:
It looks a bit ad hoc I would query it with MK.

I don't think it is. My preferred pendant sets are MK, they've always been like this as long as I've been using them. I like the terminals in them.

Here's another lampholder, don't know what brand. I bought it a while back from an online shop for a table lamp repair.