Selecting the right light fittings for your home is crucial, especially for houses built before the 1960s. During this period, many residential lighting circuits were installed without an earth cable, potentially creating hazardous conditions indoors.
Today, modern safety standards mandate that all circuits in a house must have earthed wiring, including those for lighting. While some homes may have been rewired to meet this requirement, others may still lack earthed wiring in their lighting circuits.
In homes without earthed wiring, it is essential to install double insulated light fittings to minimise the risk of accidental electric shocks. Unlike standard fittings, double insulated lights feature two layers of insulation that effectively isolate the live parts, providing peace of mind while enjoying your home’s lighting.
Most retailers now offer a selection of double insulated light fittings, although the variety might be more limited compared to non-insulated options. If you’re uncertain about the wiring in your home, AB Electrical can quickly assess whether there’s a risk and offer solutions accordingly.
To ensure your home’s safety, consider two options:
At AB Electrical, we can often procure feature or display lights from retailers at trade prices, ensuring that only safe fittings are installed if your wiring lacks an earth wire. When purchasing lights, always verify with the retailer that they are double insulated, especially if your home’s wiring is not earthed.
For more information or to schedule an assessment, please contact AB Electrical. Your safety is our priority.
