[Technology] Loft light advice

[Perkino]

I have found a light in the loft which I assume was installed by the previous owners. It is effectively a ceiling pendant attached to a 2m long cable with no earth, however this is plugged into a 5m long extension cable which we plug into the mains when accessing the loft.

Firstly, is that a safe set up and secondly could I add a 2nd pendant into the extension cable to increase the lighting in the loft space

 

[Perkino]

Image of detailed above

 

[moggy]

I have found a light in the loft which I assume was installed by the previous owners. It is effectively a ceiling pendant attached to a 2m long cable with no earth, however this is plugged into a 5m long extension cable which we plug into the mains when accessing the loft.

Firstly, is that a safe set up and secondly could I add a 2nd pendant into the extension cable to increase the lighting in the loft space

Only if the light is SELV it doesn’t need an earth otherwise check the switch and assuming the earth is there, you can run a 1mm earth from the switch to the light and fit a 2nd light in series

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

Have you tried turning it off and on again?

 

[beorhthelm]

sounds fine from the description but the picture... i'd change that. many lights dont have earth, didnt use to be required, though regs probably changed.

 

[Perkino]

Have you tried turning it off and on again?

Yes it was quite remarkable, I turned it off and everything disappeared like I was teleported into a never ending tunnel of doom where my nightmares were my only comfort. However once I turned it back on again I was transported back into the loft space surrounded by clothes that my children used to fit into and a fake Christmas tree that has as much Christmas joy as Ebeneezer Scrooge

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

Yes it was quite remarkable, I turned it off and everything disappeared like I was teleported into a never ending tunnel of doom where my nightmares were my only comfort. However once I turned it back on again I was transported back into the loft space surrounded by clothes that my children used to fit into and a fake Christmas tree that has as much Christmas joy as Ebeneezer Scrooge

 

[PILTDOWN MAN]

Don’t need an earth as there’s nothing to earth! Consider putting a new plug on it as it looks corroded

 

[Is it PotG?]

5 minute job

 

[Perkino]

sounds fine from the description but the picture... i'd change that. many lights dont have earth, didnt use to be required, though regs probably changed.

What would you recommend changing? I was of the opinion that the extension lead being earthed would prevent any power surge and simply blow the fuse involved

 

[GT49er]

There are only two connections on a light bulb anyway - no earth. Connecting it to an ordinary three pin plug shouldn't be a problem - many table lamps and free standing lamps are connected this way. Should be a five amp fuse in the plug, not a 13 Amp.

 

[Perkino]

There are only two connections on a light bulb anyway - no earth. Connecting it to an ordinary three pin plug shouldn't be a problem - many table lamps and free standing lamps are connected this way. Should be a five amp fuse in the plug, not a 13 Amp.

It is currently a 13 Amp fuse so I will change that for starters

 

[GT49er]

What would you recommend changing? I was of the opinion that the extension lead being earthed would prevent any power surge and simply blow the fuse involved

The plug - it looks as if it's been running hot (poorly connected possibility). Nice new plug, properly connected, check the cables aren't damaged - go! No worries. Couple of extra lamps shouldn't be a problem either,

 

[Cheshire Cat]

Plug connection is a potential deathtrap, and the wire looks a bit ancient.

Buy a new one.

5 minute job.

 

[Perkino]

The plug - it looks as if it's been running hot (poorly connected possibility). Nice new plug, properly connected, check the cables aren't damaged - go! No worries. Couple of extra lamps shouldn't be a problem either,

I plan to duplicate the set up with a new plug and cable into a pendant rather than running two through the same plug as have a 4 gang extension lead in location

 

[Perkino]

There are only two connections on a light bulb anyway - no earth. Connecting it to an ordinary three pin plug shouldn't be a problem - many table lamps and free standing lamps are connected this way. Should be a five amp fuse in the plug, not a 13 Amp.

Just checked my supplies and have several 3 Amp fuses, would these be suitable or is 5 Amp the optimum

 

[Jesus Gul]

Alexa turn the loft light on

 

[GT49er]

Just checked my supplies and have several 3 Amp fuses, would these be suitable or is 5 Amp the optimum

I wouldn't be fussy - either should be fine.

 

[Perkino]

I wouldn't be fussy - either should be fine.

Perfect, I've just checked my bedside lights and as you stated no earth and just a 3Amp fuse

 

[beorhthelm]

What would you recommend changing? I was of the opinion that the extension lead being earthed would prevent any power surge and simply blow the fuse involved

the ropey socket. earth is to prevent shock, as you dont touch lights they dont (didnt) get earthed. fuses prevent overload and fire risk, though the two work to the same effect.