Earthing required? MR16 halogen to GU10 LED conversion

[Chris_4AC]

Hello, I am converting my ceiling downlighters to LED. The old MR16 50W halogen bulbs come with a 12v transformer. I plan to cut the LV cable just before the transformer, then strip it and wire it into the new GU10 LED lamp holder. This means the new GU10 lamp holder will not be earthed. Looking at older post, my understanding so far is that in principle, the cpc should run to the lamp holder, but that the GU10 lamp holder that I use, which is enclosed, needs no earthing. Is this correct or should I use a new LEV cable between the junction box and the lamp holder and earth the new lamp holder?

 

[telectrix]

cpc is fine as in the 2nd pic. youdon't need to earth the "brass" bit

 

[Deleted member 26818]

That black cable looks like 2 core.
Think that fly lead may be pre made and needs connecting to.

 

[Midwest]

Didn’t think anybody still made those fittings, let alone somebody installing them.

 

[Chris_4AC]

Indeed, the black cable is "LV" only. My question could be reframed as "should there be a connection between the earthing on the lamp holder and the earthing that goes into the junction box?

 

[Midwest]

With those type of fittings, the metal bracket (with the terminations), should clip onto the metal bezel (by the spring clip). The earth terminal on the metal bracket would then have continuity (e.g. 'earth' the bezel). You would need to check the manufactures instructions. A lot of these types of down lights are manufactured as Class 2, and the 'earth terminal' is provided by the manufacturer to safely terminate (or park to use a term) the fixed wiring cpc (earth wire).

PS Are you really sure you want to use these cheapo types of luminaires? You can get something else far more attractive, for not a lot more.

 

[DefyG]

The new lamp holder may be class 2 rated but the lamp isn't therefore the metal light fitting should be earthed.
The existing fittings are not fire rated so for a little more it may pay to upgrade the lot to F/R 230v GU10's, already earthed, maybe just need to enlarge the hole!

 

[Nigel]

Just get decent fittings.

 

[Midwest]

Just get decent fittings.

I've already said that twice.

 

[Nigel]

Just get decent fittings.

 

[Nigel]

I've already said that twice.

So have I now....

 

[Chris_4AC]

Thanks a lot, I get it. What alternative lamp holder do you suggest?

 

[Nigel]

Thanks a lot, I get it. What alternative lamp holder do you suggest?

I would get all in one fire rated GU10 fittings with LED lamps.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

I would replace the black 2 core cable (if that’s what it is), and replace with 3 core cable.

 

[Midwest]

I would get all in one fire rated GU10 fittings with LED lamps.

I would get a fire rated can and a suitable LED lamp.

 

[Midwest]

You could consider a similar technology with the sealed units now offered by some manufacturers with an extended guarantee.

Doubtless some other members will say the exact same thing, almost word for word.

 

[rolyberkin]

Replace them with an enlite E5 or Luceco F type fitting, converting them may be cheap but the all in one LED units are in my view a better solution. The Luceco are very easy to wire up but the E5's from forum sponsor electrical2go are hard to beat value wise!

 

[GeorgeCooke]

The problem with all in one units is that when they fail a matching replacement will probably be no longer available. Changing the sockets to GU10 is in my opinion the best option.

NB MR16 means multifaceted reflector 16 eights inch diameter. It is nothing to do with the base or voltage. Many GU10s are in fact MR16.