Double Insulated Lighting

[Biccylova]

I got what I thought were just the right bar lights for my kitchen only to find they could not be fitted as we need double insulated lights. I now can't find anything like I want as they all seem to be pendant lights. does anyone know if its possible to get bar lights (a bar with four spot lights attached ) that are double insulated? It seems the only other way is to have my house completely rewired. How much would that cost?

[Old_Geezer]

Why do they have to be double indulated ? Is there no earthing system ?

[Biccylova]

apparently not good enough for todays rules, chap says that he could be held responsible if someone got zapped.

[Old_Geezer]

Sounds like a rewire might be overdue anyway then.
Don't know of bar lights but if I find some I'll be back.

[Old_Geezer]

http://vi.raptor.ebaydesc.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemDescV4&item=122725512030&category=117503&pm=1&ds=0&t=1506713904000&ver=0&cspheader=1

[Biccylova]

thanks OG, looks like what I want, cheaper than a whole house rewire.

[Hymie]

The electrician is rightly being cautious – he could be held responsible for installing the lights without an earth connection.

However I have installed such ceiling lights (in my own property); the danger is that the insulation within the lights breaks down and the metalwork becomes live. If this was to happen and you touched the metalwork you could very well receive an electric shock.

So you have to ask yourself how often are you touching the ceiling light fixture metalwork?
The only time you are likely to do this is when changing a bulb – if you isolate the circuit at the consumer unit when you change a bulb you will be safe.

So one option is to install it yourself and take the above precautions.

A second option, rather than having the house re-wired is to have an earth wire run to the fitting only (which would be a lot cheaper) – the cost would very much depend on how easy it is for the electrician to make that connection.

[Biccylova]

Thank you Hymie, thats all very nice to know, unfortunately I am not in the position health wise to be doing anything that involves climbing ladders, ten years ago I would have, but alas no more.