Re-wiring a lamp

[LadyArowana]

There is one in Soho, whose name I cant recall just now.

Are you thinking of W Sitch and Co at 48 Berwick St ? If so I can attest to their love of elf n safety. I needed some patinated ceiling hooks for light fittings and the guy said he wanted to see and weigh so that he was sure what he sold me could take the weight. I tried to explain that we were talking things I carried home myself with little difficulty, even showed him pix and said that as long as we overengineered up to say 25 kg not an issue. I ended up going to another perfectly reputable place who were a lot easier to deal with. I appreciate that people need to be informed of the risks of certain things and make an informed decision as to what to do or not, but I believe it should be our choice to accept the consequences. If that means signing something then fine, but treating people like idiots all the time just encourages less use of common sense.

 

[Lime]

.................. if Vicky doesn't already have an RCCD in her consumer unit then I would suggest she buys one of those plugs with a built-in RCCD and plugs the re-wired lamp into it. That should prevent any danger to life, even if the lamp is re-wired incorrectly or without correct earthing, shouldn't it?

An RCD (residual current detector) will protect most people receiving a shock (it still hurts and can kill) but it does not protect at all if the shock is received through the live wire and the neutral wire.

Having lived with anglepoise lamps for nearly half my life I know that two hands are often used to alter their position.
In response to "even if the lamp is re-wired incorrectly or without correct earthing", If two different metal parts were energised by alternate wires or one the 3 major bends in the flex had exposed conductors a shock could be received in which the RCD would not disconnect the lamp.

 

[Flyfisher]

An RCD (residual current detector) will protect most people receiving a shock (it still hurts and can kill) but it does not protect at all if the shock is received through the live wire and the neutral wire.

Quite so, which leads me to my final point about ALL light fittings, modern or old, being inherently dangerous. Just remove the lightbulb and you expose the live and neutral conductors. Just insert a finger for a very nasty shock and one where an RCD will offer no protection at all - or does everyone really isolate their lighting circuit at the consumer unit before changing a light bulb?

 

[Gervase]

:roll:
I engage an electrician whenever I need to switch on a light or plug in an appliance. You can't be too careful!

 

[Flyfisher]

As ever, Gervase, you're ahead of the game. Such things will probably be mandated in a future edition of the building and/or wiring regs. :lol: :lol:

 

[Schoolmarm]

We had our electrickery removed. No candles allowed either, fire risk.

I have a wind up torch, but only for emergencies. I keep it away from soft furnishings.


edited to add, I am on the computer at my gymn.

 

[vicky whitworth]

Never thought re-wiring could be this much fun! Here's an update...checked that the lamp is earthed, bought one metre of new 3-core cable from a funny little shop where the nice man said he had planned to retire, had run his stock down, and had now decided not to so cable 'could be anywhere' - cost 50p. Bought a torpedo connection box £2.99. Took off plug, wired in the new connection and put the plug back.

All works fine BUT took a look at re-wiring done by my dad about five years ago (Dad was/is competent DIYer although 81 now), didn't like the look of how some of the cable was running through the 'arm' of the lamp. Rang Dad to discuss who told me, 'Yes, I thought it wasn't too good when I did it"!

Have decided to have it professionally re-wired. Will take up suggestion to take it into electrical shop (where I bought the cable) and get it re-wired there. Nice man deserves my business.

Thank you for all the advice - I love the range of opinions.

Note to Jose: I set off the smoke detector yesterday by opening the woodburner when it was smouldering. DID YOU HEAR IT? I should think you all did - it rings all three alarms throughout the house and made an ungodly noise. Note to self: Find out why neighbours just ignored it!

 

[Flyfisher]

All works fine BUT took a look at re-wiring done by my dad about five years ago (Dad was/is competent DIYer although 81 now), didn't like the look of how some of the cable was running through the 'arm' of the lamp. Rang Dad to discuss who told me, 'Yes, I thought it wasn't too good when I did it"!

Competent enough to realise it wasn't re-wired very well in the first place. :lol: :lol:

Well, that's that then. I know when I'm beaten. We'd can only hope that government brings in urgent legislation to save us all from ourselves.

Still, at least the lamp is saved from the skip. Are you sure the old chap in the electrical shop is properly competent?

 

[Penners]

I have a wind up torch, but only for emergencies.

Oh no! Do be careful 'Marm. Repetitive Strain Injury and all that.....

:roll:

 

[Penners]

I'm thinking of re-wiring it myself ...Do you think this is difficult to do?

Vicky - I bet that by now you wish you'd never asked!

A can of worms springs to mind. :wink:

 

[Flyfisher]

:lol: :lol: :lol:
Yes - open Pandora's Box and out jumps a Trojan Horse with a can of worms inside.

 

[Penners]

On Ilkley Moor baht 'at.