No Earth in light circuit

midiman · Apr 24, 2019

Hi,

I have an looking to replace some plastic surface switches and I have noticed that there is no earth wire.

So I don't think I am going to be able to any metal fixings.

What are my options.

Just leave it as it is.
Look to get the circuit re-wired.

Thanks

Squid · Apr 24, 2019

Chrome Vinyl Wrap, sorted.......

Andy78 · Apr 24, 2019

midiman said:
Hi,

I am thinking about getting the property inspected and see what they recommend.

This would be a very good idea.

Charlie_ · Apr 24, 2019

Spoon said:
Just found it..
View attachment 48998

2.5mm if protected, or 4.0mm if not.

543.1.1

Was that also the case under the old 16th?
The singles that I ran in were insulated and sheathed, as I needed to pick up some live feeds and also at that time it cost less than g/y singles

Spoon · Apr 24, 2019

Charlie_ said:
Was that also the case under the old 16th?
The singles that I ran in were insulated and sheathed, as I needed to pick up some live feeds and also at that time it cost less than g/y singles

Not 100% sure about the 16th mate. I'm sure someone will be able to tell us.

Andy78 · Apr 24, 2019

Spoon said:
Not 100% sure about the 16th mate. I'm sure someone will be able to tell us.

Yes 543-01-01 was the same regarding minimum cable sizes in 16th amd 2 : 2004

Charlie_ · Apr 25, 2019

Andy78 said:
Yes 543-01-01 was the same regarding minimum cable sizes in 16th amd 2 : 2004

Had a feeling it would be, the 16th was very earthy, equipotental/ simultaneous, sinks, windows, radiators - its a lot easier these days

Well I got around 543-01-01 by using insulated & sheathed singles..

davesparks · Apr 25, 2019

Charlie_ said:
Had a feeling it would be, the 16th was very earthy, equipotental/ simultaneous, sinks, windows, radiators - its a lot easier these days
Well I got around 543-01-01 by using insulated & sheathed singles..

2.5mm is the minimum size if mechanical protection is provided so your 1mm cpc is non compliant even if you do allow the sheath as mechanical protection.

Charlie_ · Apr 25, 2019

The type of cable I’m referring to is brown 1mm singles with integral earth

Pete999 · Apr 25, 2019

Charlie_ said:
house or bungalow?
Approx 15 years ago I had the same problem in a bungalow..
All was ok apart from no RCD and no lighting cpc..
I installed an RCD and a separate 1mm cpc for the lighting circuit..

How was the cpc installed?

Charlie_ · Apr 25, 2019

Pete999 said:
How was the cpc installed?

Clipped direct and fished down the channels to each switch.
3 plate wiring so plenty of room down the capping

Spoon · Apr 25, 2019

Question people. When you install a 4mm earth, how do you go about connecting it to the light fittings? I thought it would be too big?

Andy78 · Apr 25, 2019

Spoon said:
Question people. When you install a 4mm earth, how do you go about connecting it to the light fittings? I thought it would be too big?

I don't, I just rewire.

Pete999 · Apr 25, 2019

Andy78 said:
I don't, I just rewire.

Who connects the fittings up?

Andy78 · Apr 25, 2019

Pete999 said:
Who connects the fittings up?

Sorry Pete, I wasn't very clear. I mean I don't install a 4mm cpc additional to the existing wiring, I just rewire with new cable incorporating a cpc. The former is an option I wouldn't consider.

Risteard · Apr 25, 2019

Charlie_ said:
Was that also the case under the old 16th?
The singles that I ran in were insulated and sheathed, as I needed to pick up some live feeds and also at that time it cost less than g/y singles

Yes it was definitely a requirement of the 16th Edition.