UK Earthing a vintage brass lamp to the lamp base

Nightmer · May 20, 2020

I have a couple of old metal/brass lamps to which adding an earthed lampholder would be tricky (either the entry for 3 wires is VERY small or the lamp holder is integral to the lamp and is original). All of these lamps have a screw within the base which appear to be for an earth wire - is this a reasonably safe option? I've attached a photograph of one of my lamp bases for clarity.

In the photo you will see that the brown and blue wires are in the centre feeding up to the (not visible) lamp holder. The brown wire is not yet attached to the push switch at the centre top. on the right in the 4 o'clock position is what I believe to be the place for the earth wire. The entire lamp is brass with a sort of steel weight in the base and a metal shade (see picture 2). In this particular lamp, I might be able to squeeze a third wire in - but I have 2 others where this looks nigh on impossible - but they have the same set up.

Megawatt · May 20, 2020

Nightmer said:
I have a couple of old metal/brass lamps to which adding an earthed lampholder would be tricky (either the entry for 3 wires is VERY small or the lamp holder is integral to the lamp and is original). All of these lamps have a screw within the base which appear to be for an earth wire - is this a reasonably safe option? I've attached a photograph of one of my lamp bases for clarity.

In the photo you will see that the brown and blue wires are in the centre feeding up to the (not visible) lamp holder. The brown wire is not yet attached to the push switch at the centre top. on the right in the 4 o'clock position is what I believe to be the place for the earth wire. The entire lamp is brass with a sort of steel weight in the base and a metal shade (see picture 2). In this particular lamp, I might be able to squeeze a third wire in - but I have 2 others where this looks nigh on impossible - but they have the same set up.

All I can say is yes that appears to be where you terminate your ground

Strima · May 20, 2020

You're not far off TBH, that's what I would use. Make sure you have a good mechanical connection between all metallic parts.

The OCD and ex-squaddie in me insists that the brass is polished to a very high standard!!!

?

Lucien Nunes · May 20, 2020

As above, check that there is a solid metallic connection all the way to the lampholder, noting that the switch bush is as much in need of earthing as the lampholder. I hope there is a durable insulating cover over the base to prevent access to the switch terminals without the use of a tool - some lamps were sketchy on this point.