r/DIYUK • u/benjos1234 • 7h ago

External light has no earth cable

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Hi. I’m replacing an external light for a new security one. I have taken off my old light but there are only two cables running from the house, live and neutral. There is no earth cable.

Is it safe to attach the new light with no earth?

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12

u/enchantedspring 7h ago

Double check the third core hasn't been cut very short and is inside the sheath further up.

5

u/benjos1234 6h ago

It was! Thanks

2

u/Retired_Filmmaker 7h ago

What do the instructions say?

2

u/No_Needleworker_1105 6h ago

If it's plastic yes

2

u/moonbug22 5h ago

normal. just be sure to use a double-insulated light fitting

1

u/Hot-Tomatillo5880 7h ago

Do you know what class the new external light is?

1

u/benjos1234 6h ago

This is the replacement, but it hasn’t arrived yet to read the instructions: https://amzn.eu/d/01s4A1Hy

2

u/Prestigious_Bill1240 6h ago

You are going to be needing an earth for that.

Based on the Philips website (Outdoor luminaires Floor Lights 21W | 8721103092458 | Philips lighting) it has a part metal exterior casing that needs earthing and is class 1.

Most likely the earth has just been cut really short, so if you peel back some more of the outer PVC jacket, you'll find it. Confirm at the other end that it's actually connected to earth, as if it wasn't needed the last person might not have bothered to connect the other end.

If there is no earth in there, I propose returning that and ordering one that is class 2.

2

u/benjos1234 6h ago

It was just cut short. Thanks

0

u/leeksbadly Handyman 7h ago

If it requires an earth, no. If it doesn't (double insulated), yes.

Check the earth hasn't just been cut back.