lighting circuit identifying earth on old wires

[nick.appleby]

Hi all.

Am trying to replace switches and wall leights and ceiling lights i have identified live and neutral (black and red)but what appears to be the earth is a grey colour also its not wired to the earth terminal but to one of the Com connectors. Does this mean that there is no earth wiring or has it been wired wrong, could really do with a quick response please help

Thanks

Nick

 

[Spudnik]

Any chance of a few pics?

 

[Mac]

It's not a 3 core cable is it.Brown,black and greyAre they singles or T & E

 

[nick.appleby]

No definetly red black and greyish but could the colour have faded

 

[sparkswillfly]

i think for your own safty you need an electrician

 

[ashrow]

Hi all.

Am trying to replace switches and wall leights and ceiling lights i have identified live and neutral (black and red)but what appears to be the earth is a grey colour also its not wired to the earth terminal but to one of the Com connectors. Does this mean that there is no earth wiring or has it been wired wrong, could really do with a quick response please help

Thanks

Nick

Nick

Please be aware of what your doing, if unsure leave it for now, await replys or provide further info
Better safe then sorry.

Ash

 

[Mac]

No definetly red black and greyish but could the colour have faded

Is the conductor copper or aluminium.Some of the old aluminium cables were double sheathed,and they were grey in colour when you took the outer sheath off.

 

[Spudnik]

Im sure i have seen the black in T&E turn greyish near the terminal, which looked like signs of overheating.

It most certainly sounds like no cpc on the lighting circuit.

However, in olden days, they used to twist the cpc's together and stuff them up in the ceiling behind the wooden pendant mount.

 

[nick.appleby]

if there is no cpc can i still replace light fitting etc, there are platic patress boxes to all sockets and switches i have bought metal switches, also the light pendant is metal ??? thanks everyone

 

[Mac]

Do any of the cables look like these

 

[Spudnik]

if there is no cpc can i still replace light fitting etc, there are platic patress boxes to all sockets and switches i have bought metal switches, also the light pendant is metal ??? thanks everyone

If there is no earth present you need to get it rewired.

And dont fit ANY metal switches or fittings!!!!!

 

[nick.appleby]

afraid not

 

[Mac]

if there is no cpc can i still replace light fitting etc, there are platic patress boxes to all sockets and switches i have bought metal switches, also the light pendant is metal ??? thanks everyone

Are the wall fittings metal.If they are they need to be earthed mate

 

[nick.appleby]

Hi aluminium cheers

 

[Mac]

Hi aluminium cheers

If the cables are aluminium,then it sounds like there is no earth in the lighting circuits.Check at the CU.Bet it's an old board with rewirable fuses.Needs rewiring and possible board change.