Second red 'live' wire in light fitting - what to do?

[slquoue]

I am connecting a new IKEA pendant light in place of an existing light fitting. I have connected the red wire in the ceiling to the brown 'live' terminal in the IKEA fitting, and the black wire in the ceiling to the blue 'neutral' terminal in the IKEA fitting. However, there is an extra exposed red 'live' wire. Should I connect this to the second available 'live' terminal in the IKEA fitting, or leave it loose as I found it?

 

[Taylortwocities]

If the lamp is working (and switching) properly without the mystery red connected, and everything else in the house does as well, then I'd leave it disconnected and insulated, although I'd leave all earths connected together, including the one that is part of this cable, if it's this strange singles + earth stuff.
Connecting the red could be leaving an exposed live cable somewhere.

Very good point.

 

[loz2754]

this strange singles + earth stuff.

I come across this type of cable all the time and have used it myself on occasion, surprised you haven't encountered it.
Maybe it's a regional thing...

 

[brianmoooore]

I've come across sheathed singles in domestic property many times - usually as part of 2w switch wiring, but never with an earth incorporated in it.
All metric T&E was white in colour in my area until recently, which I've heard is another regional thing.
Also 240-0-240 volt split phase electricity supplies, which are common around here, but gets blank looks when I've enquired about motor switch gear for it.

 

[ipf]

I've come across sheathed singles in domestic property many times - usually as part of 2w switch wiring, but never with an earth incorporated in it.

I've not used any for a good while but used to use it regularly. Years back, we used to get single sleeved red + E, black without earth. Still got some in stores.

 

[Risteard]

Never come across anything like that in half a century of being in the business!

Commonly used here to this day.

I have PVC/PVC single brown; single blue; brown & Earth; blue & Earth.