No Earth in Powerpoint

[Hootsmon]

HI Folks,

We've been doing some painting and I've lossened off the powerpoints in the rooms for a better finish. I noticed that the powerpoint in the spare room only has two wires (Red and Black - live and neutral) whereas other like the kitchen have an earth as well. Is it normal to not have an earth? And do I need to get a sparky to recable this socket? Thanks in advance

[Wood Butcher]

Is it normal to not have an earth?

NO

And do I need to get a sparky to recable this socket?

I would immediately and not use the powerpoint in th mean time!

[echnidna]

[Don777]

Yes dont use

If you cann't a sparkie out straight away to check all point outs

Go and get a power point tester Plug about $20

and check all the points in the house it will tell you if earthed and if switched on active, which will give you some piece of mind..

I just had a simliar problem, got a friend sparkie in and rewired one circuit
half of it was rewired long time ago 1960's other half was 1930's and a couple of points no earth. So you could be up for some rewire work as well, but afterwards you will feel safe.... very important

[bpj1968]

AS ABOVE.

Sounds like it is wired into teh light circuit, which usually doen'st have earth.

I would have a closer look at ALL the other points as well.

[dan76]

as above dont use till checked by a tradesman, it will work fine without an earth -- till some thing goes wrong and shorts then your in trouble lol

[woodcutta]

And people on this board have asked before why is a licence nneded to do wiring - my guess is this was a job done by someone that didnt think it was necessary to get in someone who knew what they were doing!!

Rant off

woodcutta

[Barry_White]

AS ABOVE.

Sounds like it is wired into teh light circuit, which usually doen'st have earth.

I would have a closer look at ALL the other points as well.

All light circuits must be earthed. The earth is usually at the light point not the switch.

[Big Shed]

All light circuits must be earthed. The earth is usually at the light point not the switch.

Regs must be different in Queensland then, all light circuits here are 2 wire red/black, no earth.

I helped our sparky run all the cables, everything was inspected and a certificate issued.

Never seen an earth on a lighting circuit in either Vic or SA.

[DJ’s Timber]

Regs must be different in Queensland then, all light circuits here are 2 wire red/black, no earth.

I helped our sparky run all the cables, everything was inspected and a certificate issued.

Never seen an earth on a lighting circuit in either Vic or SA.

BS, the main supply for the light fitting would have an earth, if the fitting is metal of any kind it must have an earth, the 2 core is normally only used to go from the light fitting to the switch and also to loop other switches as well.

ps the 2 core is normally red/white not red/black

[Big Shed]

DJ, I stand corrected, oh well it was 7 years ago!

Good argument for me not giving advice on electrical matters.

[Barry_White]

Regs must be different in Queensland then, all light circuits here are 2 wire red/black, no earth.
I helped our sparky run all the cables, everything was inspected and a certificate issued.

Never seen an earth on a lighting circuit in either Vic or SA.

When all else fails quote AS3000

AS3000 5.1.1.6 says Lighting Points. Except as provided in Clause 5.1.2.7, an earthing conductor, connected to a terminal or suitably insulated and enclosed, shall be provided at every lighting point. Exposed metal of a luminaire which is not double insulated type shall be earthed.

AS3000 5.1.2.7 says Lighting Points. Not withstanding the provisions of Clause 5.1.1.6 an earthing need not be provided at the following lighting points.

(a) Festoon-type lampholders of the all-insulated type.
(b) Luminaires installed in accordance with Clause 5.3.3.6 (This where screwed conduit is used as the means of earthing.)
(c) Luminaires supplied at extra low voltage from a source of supply complying with Clause 7.3
(d) Luminairs installed outdoors on wooden poles where the luminaires are not in in an earthed situation.
(e) Luminaires installed in accordance with Clause 6.1.10.2 (This is to do with swimming pools.)

[Hootsmon]

I've checked all the other points and this is the only one without an earth. I need to get a sparky to do a few other jobs around the place so I guess I'll add this to the list. thanks for the help all