Ceiling Spot Lamps

[malagabob]

I have some flush mounted spotlamp housings I was thinking of installing. On investigation there is only 2 terminals N and L in the housings Do I leave the earth of the existing 3 core cable supplying the existing lights cut back and made safe, or is it best to continue the earth and somehow make a connection on the housings by drilling and tapping for a earth terminal.

[Old_Geezer]

Well I'd not cut anything, you never know when you might want to replace the light fitting again with a fitting that needs it: but for sure terminate it safely and tape it back out of harms way.

If your new fitting doesn't have a terminal for earth don't make one. It should mean there are no conductive bits you can touch.

[The Builder]

If lampholders are designed for 12 volt operation (or any extra-low voltage), then no earth is needed. Protection is given by "electrical separation" (transformer).

The trouble is, when used with a 240v mains supply, then there is a potential risk of the casing becoming a "live part" if there's a fault. There is a Regulation that allows "live parts" if they're out of reach, but I doubt if that would apply here.

This is often a difficult situation when electricians try to do their best for the customer, but have to consider safety. In your case, I think most would either drill the casing to connect an earth, or insist on new holders with earth connections provided.

I take OG's point completely, but sometimes you're between a rock and the proverbial hard place.