Desk Lamp Wiring UK - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: urbis
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 24, 2014, 10:53:11 am
content: Hello,Seen some desk lamps and floorstanding lamps in the UK with clear mains cabling and a clear UK plug.No transformer, so direct mains.However, the conductors aren't colour coded.I expected this was illegal, but then I considered mains fairy lights are the same - no colour coding?Does anyone have a link to anything which can confirm definitively whether they are or are not illegal?Thanks!This is the type of cable:http://electricsandlighting.co.uk/white-black-clear-flex/1862-clear-2-core-075mm-flex-sold-per-metre.html

author: alanb
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 24, 2014, 12:13:38 pm
content: I think that the critical point is whether there are any exposed metal parts. If there are not you can use two core cable. Unfortunately I can't track down the relevant part of the wiring regulations at the moment.

author: urbis
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 24, 2014, 12:32:38 pm
content: There are exposed metal parts, but the lamp does have a double insulated logo on the bottom.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 24, 2014, 12:35:21 pm
content: I don't think there are any standards or regs concerning colours of wiring for plug-in appliances - why would there be?Safety-wise, live and neutral are regarded as equally hazardous.

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 24, 2014, 12:37:38 pm
content: There are, however, requirements for double insulated cable, afaik. Which the clear stuff almost invariably is not.

author: urbis
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 24, 2014, 01:43:06 pm
content: Actually, it is double insulated cable, but both inner cores of insulation, and the outer are clear.Perhaps the earthing is more concerning, these are metal lamps, but with plastic lampholders.

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 24, 2014, 01:46:05 pm
content: Quote from: urbis on June 24, 2014, 01:43:06 pmThis is quite normal.

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 25, 2014, 08:10:46 am
content: So long as the metal is double insulated from the mains then it's ok.

author: Richard Crowley
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 25, 2014, 08:42:33 am
content: That looks as ordinary as they come. Electric lamps have been made that way since we first got electricity into our homes.I've never heard of any requirement for color codes, etc. for bog-standard lamp cord. Are we over-reacting here?

author: Kjelt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 25, 2014, 08:52:05 am
content: AFAIK it is even standard that with a normal (screw) lightbulb the screw itself should be neutral wired and the tip should be the live.In Europe mainland a lot of countries have symmetrical mains plugs so you never know if this is the case with pluggable equipment.

author: SL4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 25, 2014, 01:34:23 pm
content: I'd be asking where the appliance was certified (check the numbers on the base).Quite possible that Wan Hung Loh doesn't use correct dual-insulated cable or lampholder with double insulated entry and terminals.

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 25, 2014, 06:36:42 pm
content: Quote from: Kjelt on June 25, 2014, 08:52:05 amThat's the theory, but it never works out that way in practice.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 25, 2014, 07:11:12 pm
content: That cable is sold here as speaker cord, as it is only a single insulted wire. I often find that you have loose strands that poke out through the PVC sheath, and this can be a rather enlightening experience if you come across it.Most common use though is in the lovely safe Jondolo wiring scheme, where it will be used at any current up to glowing red hot. Power and light from the same cable, a great SA invention. Also available in copper coated steel, at a great cost saving, and as well copper coated aluminium which is cheaper than copper but harder to solder to.

author: fluxcapacitor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 25, 2014, 07:55:15 pm
content: I found some 0.75mm clear flex here :https://www.electric-cable.com/decorative-cable.phpQuote: Wiring of glass and metal chandelier arms to the lamp holder. Where space is strictly limited and cable is subject to heat.The cable is rated at -50 C to +200 C , i found some on ebay that was only rated at 60 C

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2014, 02:44:44 am
content: Quote from: Richard Crowley on June 25, 2014, 08:42:33 amWhile that is still quite normal in the USA, it ceased to be normal in the UK some time ago. I remember transparent two-core flex on low power devices like lamps and radios in the 60's, but such laissez faire is no longer permitted in mains wiring.I used to play with two pin mains plugs that had twist-off tops (no screw driver required). You just unscrewed the top and the bare terminals were exposed. They were remarkably convenient for quick hook-ups, but officious people would have apoplexy if they were found on the market now...

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2014, 06:34:04 am
content: Quote from: IanB on June 26, 2014, 02:44:44 amThe trick for a quick hook up with qa modern UK plug is to push a screwdriver into the earth which opens up the live and neutral. Push the wires into the live and neutral then extract the screwdriver and the safety springs will close the live and neutral holes and grip the wire.

author: Kjelt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2014, 06:44:09 am
content: Same in Holland, some loudspeaker wire has an isolation as low as 60V , not very good to use for 230VAC mains.So all mains cable has color encoded wiring.