Earthing Metal Light Fittings

steveinsurrey · Post by **steveinsurrey** » Thu May 17, 2007 12:47 am

I bought some new metal lights to fit in my kitchen which the instructions say require connection to an earth. However, my lighting wiring is twin core within metal conduit (the same as my ring main), and I assume the metal conduit provides the earth. How do I ensure these metal lights are correctly earthed ?

cheers

sparkydude · Post by **sparkydude** » Thu May 17, 2007 5:19 am

Hi Steve, The normal way to ensure that your fitting is earthed is to run a flylead of green/yellow cable from the backbox of your conduit system to your light fittings earth terminal. Depending on the age of your conduit , it might have a threaded hole in the back of it to which you can attach a bolt and then a round ring type crimp can be clamped between the bolt and the box. Or if you are not using the two threaded fixings on the front of the light then one of these can be used in the same way .I would still get the electrics checked out if was you as old conduits can lose their continuity over time , and you may not have a proper earth path.

Nick

steveinsurrey · Post by **steveinsurrey** » Thu May 17, 2007 11:29 am

I had a new consumer unit fitted 3-4 months ago and everything was thoroughly tested and passed without problem. so I assume the earth is fine.

so as long as I ensure a good connection between the light's earth terminal and the conduit it should be fine.

thanks