Kitchen downlights have no earth - how to tell if double insulated or not?

[paturback]

just click thanks

 

[jackhulk]

Thanks paturback and understand that but does that mean they are class II? Is there anything that should be on my old lights that would confirm if earth is required or not?

 

[Deleted member 9648]

Look for the class ii symbol...a small square within a larger square.....either that or it will state class ii.
If neither are present it will not be class ii.

 

[paturback]

Yes they are class ll

 

[jackhulk]

Thanks all. So now know the new ones are class II and will check old ones for symbol today after electricians have left. Strange he would say the new ones are not suitable due to no earth. Surely he must know about class II?! He said they would still connect but ones with earth would be safer.

If the old ones have no class II symbol would you recommend I replace with new ones? Had old ones for 20 odd years, surely if something was to go wrong would have happened by now, unless I've just been lucky.

 

[Sparky Ninja]

20 years is a good life span for those. Sometimes the lampholder burn out and they get brittle after 10 years or so. If it was me I would replace them while the opportunity is there.

The electrician saying ones with earth would be safer just suggests to me that he's not really savvy and just knows what he knows and that's it. Putting it kindly.

 

[jackhulk]

just knows what he knows and that's it.

Great line! Wish I had your subtlety.

 

[londonlec]

Your lucky the electrician is even contemplating wiring them in, when I've done council rewires in the past it has been a full rip out and a fresh install.

I.e 1 pendant/bulkhead/flurry, 1 switch, and 2/3(if your lucky) double sockets in each room.