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

[slquoue]

Update - I connected the second live wire into the second slot. All works, nothing has blown up

 

[westward10]

The earths in that green tube require correct sleeving and connection but I suspect you do not have equipment to do this.

 

[ipf]

You mean it's a twin cable consisting of a red insulated conductor and a uninsulated earth?

Single and earth, you mean.

 

[westward10]

You mean it's a twin cable consisting of a red insulated conductor and a uninsulated earth?

Like this.

https://cpc.farnell.com/pro-power/6241y-1-5mm-brown-50m/cable-6241y-brown-1-50mm-grey/dp/CB15280

 

[brianmoooore]

https://cpc.farnell.com/pro-power/6241y-1-5mm-brown-50m/cable-6241y-brown-1-50mm-grey/dp/CB15280

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

 

[ipf]

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

Aye, and you introduced 'The Big Match' on ITV in the seventies.

 

[slquoue]

Would you get this replaced in the future? I must admit we've got no idea how old the wiring in the house is - we bought the place this time last year but the previous owner did very little work to it too...

 

[Taylortwocities]

Would you get this replaced in the future? I must admit we've got no idea how old the wiring in the house is - we bought the place this time last year but the previous owner did very little work to it too...

It’s probably serviceable. But nobody can tell by just looking. You could have the installation inspected and get a report on what needs updating.
If the rest of the house is the same age as the cables in your picture, then I would guess there’s quite a bit that needs work.

 

[goasis]

Peoples "have a go" attitudes to electrics never cease to amaze me....
Would you claim to be no expert but decide to have a go at fixing the brakes on your car for example? And just keep experimenting with it until you found a way on making it work?!

 

[brianmoooore]

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.

 

[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.