Earth wire for light

alanarena · Jan 18, 2023

Hello all

Sorry if this has been answered previously.....

Got a light with this earth wire (picture attached). I can see from the instructions (picture attached) where the earth wire is to be screwed into, but what about the other end with the exposed twisted wires? Have I to tape that end to the metal bracket using electrical tape?

Many thanks in advance.

Alan Arena

DPG · Jan 18, 2023

No! The earth wire must be connected to the supply cable. Do you have an earth wire available where the light is to be fitted?

alanarena · Jan 18, 2023

Thanks for the reply DPG. I just checked one light fitting and there's no earth wire. It's a new build house. Should I ask the developer to explain why there's no earth wire?

DPG · Jan 18, 2023

alanarena said:
Thanks for the reply DPG. I just checked one light fitting and there's no earth wire. It's a new build house. Should I ask the developer to explain why there's no earth wire?

I'd be very surprised if there's no earth on a new build. Can you post a photo of where the cable comes out of the ceiling.

alanarena · Jan 18, 2023

Excuse the poor quality. You can see here its only live and neutral.

DPG · Jan 18, 2023

alanarena said:
Excuse the poor quality. You can see here its only live and neutral.

You don't connect the new fitting to that. It needs the ceiling rose removing and replacing with your new fitting. Be very careful as there will be a live connection in it even when the light is switched off!

I would recommend getting an electrician to do this to be honest. Shouldn't be too expensive and you know it will be safe.

alanarena · Jan 18, 2023

I should have taken off the rose and added a picture when I posted this originally. Here it is now. Don't worry I switched off the light circuits in my fuse box. I've changed light switches and plug sockets before, so I do have some knowledge.

I've got 9 or 10 lights to fit. So, "IF" I was to do it myself how would I connect the exposed twisted wires in the earth cable that came with the light to the copper earth wire where the cable comes out of the ceiling? This was my confusion from the beginning, I just didn't explain it very well, sorry! The instructions that came with the light don't say how the earth is to be connected.

DPG said:
You don't connect the new fitting to that. It needs the ceiling rose removing and replacing with your new fitting. Be very careful as there will be a live connection in it even when the light is switched off!

I would recommend getting an electrician to do this to be honest. Shouldn't be too expensive and you know it will be safe.

Intoelectrics · Jan 18, 2023

Yes you connect the earth conductor (green & yellow) from the new light fitting to the circuit protection conductor (earth - green & yellow) as seen in your picture. Don't just twist them together and tape up though! please use an appropriate connector suitable for that connection.