Same Coloured Wires! Ask questions and find answers to many subjects relating to electrics and electrical work

[steve_bb]

I recently bought a chandalier light from a quality reputable large UK retailer which did have a cardboard reference to live, neutral and brown attached to the ends. The flex was extremely long so I cut it to the required length to then find that all 3 wires have exactly the same jacket covers (silver) and thickness as each other. How the heck do I know which is live, neutral and earth? It does say in the instructions that live and neutral are polarity neutral so I assume if I know which one is earth I am sorted? Any guidance appreciated.

[ericmark]

One would hope earth is bonded to metal work so easy to ring out with a tester.

If bayonet fitting Line and Neutral can be swapped they are both Live but with Edison screw the thread needs connecting to neutral.