Help! Is this wiring correct?

[Deleted account]

Have the builders supplied the electrician?
If so ask the contractor what he thinks or ask th electrician himself.

Yes this is wrong.

Worryingly if this is wrong what else is wrong?

Ask if he is qualified and registered. Get proof.

Possibly get another spark in to check or if building control is involved ask them for a visit. They will know.

Not ideal I know, but you don’t want the project finished to find it then needs putting right.

 

[Clocks]

Hi all, so it looks like I made a huge mistake. The grey cable actually has a brown and blue wire coming out of it and a copper wire in between (the earth wire I believe). I was looking at an old cable. So sorry.

The green/yellow earth wire in the photo is attached to and comes with the light fitting. The tape that can been seen around the cable is holding two cables together as opposed to a joint.

Hopefully this means that the electrician is using the correct cable.

One other thing I forgot to check was the width of the grey cable as I’ve heard that it should be different for lights and sockets (1.5/2.5mm) although I’m not sure why.

 

[Spoon]

One other thing I forgot to check was the width of the grey cable as I’ve heard that it should be different for lights and sockets (1.5/2.5mm) although I’m not sure why.

The lighting circuit is usually protected by a 6A breaker, therefore 1mm or 1.5mm is fine.
The socket circuit is usually protected by a 32A breaker, therefore 2.5mm or 4mm is fine, depending on circuit type.

 

[Deleted account]

Good result.

 

[littlespark]

Still not too smart having choc block connections wrapped in insulating tape, if that’s what I’m seeing??

 

[DPG]

I think he said the tape was just holding two cables together rather than covering a join.

 

[Clocks]

Yes not a connection. Just holding cables together. Sorry to have wasted everyone’s time on this. I got really panicked.

 

[davesparks]

Yes not a connection. Just holding cables together. Sorry to have wasted everyone’s time on this. I got really panicked.

At any point did you consider discussing your concerns with the electrician doing the job rather than going behind their back?

 

[Clocks]

Of course but I wanted to understand whether I was right/wrong/clarify before approaching him. I wasn’t going behind his back, just wanted to be more sure of my concerns before speaking/confronting him.

 

[littlespark]

It’s fine to ask. You just wanted a second opinion. You got third, fourth, twelfth all at once.

What sort of downlights use those brackets? I presume they get buried in plaster then the light is fitted after decoration?
Do plasterers like these things? How easy is it for them compared to just a hole to spread around?
I measure where any obstruction is, and drill a clean hole afterwards avoiding any joists.

 

[SparkyAndGeorge]

It’s fine to ask. You just wanted a second opinion. You got third, fourth, twelfth all at once.

What sort of downlights use those brackets? I presume they get buried in plaster then the light is fitted after decoration?
Do plasterers like these things? How easy is it for them compared to just a hole to spread around?
I measure where any obstruction is, and drill a clean hole afterwards avoiding any joists.

Top tip I was taught once: drill pilot hole first, stick a wire coat hanger up and spin 360 degrees to final check for joists

 

[JK-Electrical]

What sort of downlights use those brackets?

The trimless recessed type:

Arc led plaster-in led downlights, trimless gu10 downlight, ADLT001BB/MW UK

SKU:ARC-PIDL Lamp Required: GU10 Maximum Wattage: 50W IP Rating: IP20 Cut Out: 85mm Overall Diameter: 120mm Depth: 54mm Baffle Finish: Matt Black Paint Finish: Matt White

arc-led.co.uk

I presume they get buried in plaster then the light is fitted after decoration?

Spot on!

 

[Clocks]

It’s fine to ask. You just wanted a second opinion. You got third, fourth, twelfth all at once.

What sort of downlights use those brackets? I presume they get buried in plaster then the light is fitted after decoration?
Do plasterers like these things? How easy is it for them compared to just a hole to spread around?
I measure where any obstruction is, and drill a clean hole afterwards avoiding any joists.

Yes they are plaster over lights. I am told (by the lighting shop) that plasters love them especially as the lip gives them a guide as to thickness of skim.

 

[westward10]

This is your third thread. This one a vehicle charging point and a patio heater. Why are you not consulting your electrician?