Exposed wiring in home bar lighting

[Dave A]

Any bright ideas of the best way to deal with this?

[HR Solutions]

What is wrong there ? Can you have the 220v wire exposed ?

[AndyD]

If you can access it without the use of a tool then it's a no-no.

Replace the fitting for one that's designed to be used standalone would be the easiest option, it's a classic example of the wrong fitting for the location it's in. You could fabricate some sort of cover from a conduit box or similar but it's a lot of messing around especially if there's multiple fittings. You could make a perspex diffuser that encloses the entire fitting as well.

Is it on a plug by any chance or is it permanently wired?

[Dave A]

It's wired in. There are multiple fittings. And getting it all onto a plug top would be a mission too.

What ticks me off a bit is the cabinets are premade this way, apparently. Obviously the manufacturer doesn't understand the regs. The problem is just so avoidable.

[Houses4Rent]

There are no bare wires or contacts. What is the problem? Might not be to some regulation, but where is the risk?

[PaulG]

If you can access it without the use of a tool then it's a no-no.

The reg says that it shall not be possible to touch any live part within arms reach with the standard finger test. If no conductor is exposed then wouldn't this be within regulations?

[AndyD]

I'd interpret 'live part' to include a lamp holder that's not classed as double insulated or is ELV. I think if it means any part that is an integral component of an electrical circuit and not exclusively concerned with live conductors. Maybe one of the domestic electricians will confirm.

Also there's no strain relief or containment on the wiring.

Typically this kind of item would come with a plug on it in which case it wouldn't be a problem for a CoC because it would be classed as an integral part of the electrical instalation and portable appliance testing isn't mandatory.

Is the cupboard mobile and freestanding Dave or is it secured to a wall or built-in?

[Dave A]

It's a fixed unit.

The wiring you can see is 1.5mm housewire.

[PaulG]

I'd interpret 'live part' to include a lamp holder that's not classed as double insulated or is ELV. I think if it means any part that is an integral component of an electrical circuit and not exclusively concerned with live conductors. Maybe one of the domestic electricians will confirm.

Andy thanks for the explanation. Forgetting the strain relief, if the appliance had a earthing terminal (Class 1 appliance) it would then be a legal installation?

[ians]

Simple, Maizey plastics, clear perspex a little heat and 2 screws or just buy cheap plastic bulkheads and remove the clear covers and secure using the holes on the cover.

If it is for your own house, take them out throw them in the dustbin and fit led strip lights.

[AndyD]

Andy thanks for the explanation. Forgetting the strain relief, if the appliance had a earthing terminal (Class 1 appliance) it would then be a legal installation?

I personally would say no it wouldn't be compliant unless the lampholder is covered and not accessible using the finger test. Please don't take my answer as definitive though because I'm not an electrician as such, I design and build control sytems.

Simple, Maizey plastics, clear perspex a little heat and 2 screws or just buy cheap plastic bulkheads and remove the clear covers and secure using the holes on the cover.

If it is for your own house, take them out throw them in the dustbin and fit led strip lights.

This would be the route I would go.

I'm also assuming there's ballasts with open wiring and terminals somewhere.

[PaulG]

I personally would say no it wouldn't be compliant unless the lampholder is covered and not accessible using the finger test.

Found SANS 10142; 6.14.4.1: A lamp holder shall be shrouded in insulating material or shall be earthed, unless it is simultaneously:

a) out of arm's reach
b) ....

I gather from this that it would be acceptable as long as no live conductors are accessible and the casing of the lamp holder is earthed?

[ians]

Busy with some emergency lighting, wow put a whole new twist on dangerous, having a permanent live and a switched live and just to add a whole pile of exposed wiring 😜clearly someone forgot to mention it to emergency backup companies.

[Dave A]

I'm also assuming there's ballasts with open wiring and terminals somewhere.

Nope - 220v all the way to the CFL.

I gather from this that it would be acceptable as long as no live conductors are accessible and the casing of the lamp holder is earthed?

Not an earth to be found, and to retrofit one to each light is going to get ugly.

We've gone with the plastic bulkhead covers solution as suggested by Ian, which also resolves the concern that immediately leapt out at me from my food safety interests - containment if the bulb is broken. Nothing quite like shards of glass with your favourite tipple to test if you've had too much already.

[ians]

Exposed wiring in home bar lighting

Dave I have some bad news for you those lamps cannot run without a ballast, they must be some where hidden away.