Outdoor Light

[m@d h@tter]

We have a 500w halogen lamp outside the back door which has its own isolation switch and a 5amp fuse inside the house. It also has an earth wire connected to the earth terminal inside the lamp fitting. We want to replace this lamp with an ordinary one taking a 60watt bulb, but this one doesn't need earthing and subsequently has no earth terminal inside the fitting. The questions are:

1. What do I do with the earth wire when wiring-up the live and neutral to the lamp fitting?

2. Do I need to replace the 5amp fuse in the isolation switch, if so what amperage?

Hope someone can shed some light!. - Ta.

[woodchopper]

1. If the you are sure the new one has not got an earth terminal on it, it doesn't need one. Just tape the end up and leave it inside the new fitting where it won't get in the way.,

2. If you can change it to a 3amp fuse that will be better - if they are available. If not dont worry about it - the light will most likely be wired with 1.5mm cable - its design current is 5amp so will be protected even with the 5amp fuse.

[m@d h@tter]

Hi Woodchopper. - thanks for the speedy reply. The new fitting definately has no earth terminal. The instructions say it is double insulated and shouldn't be earthed, hence the question about what to do with the earth cable!

I may have some 3amp fuses in the garage. Do you recommend using that rather than the 5amp fuse, or as you say it wouldn't be a problem either way?

Thanks.

[Toleman]

Stick the 3 amp in, and good practice is to put the earth in a terminal block, you know the long ones with lots on. Just cut one off. Tape is likely to come off, e.s.p. outside with humidity changes. Good luck and be carefull!

[m@d h@tter]

Good idea Toleman - I know the thing you mean. I May have one of those in the garage too. It was bugging me what to do with this stray earth cable and nowhere to attach it.

Much appreciate the advice from both answers.

Thanks