What to do With Unused Earth Wires After Installing Downlights? Ask questions and find answers to many subjects relating to electrics and electrical work

[GrumpyMike]

Hi,

I'm wiring up some downlights, they have no earth connection, but the cable I'm using is twin and earth. What's the best solution for the earth wire?

I'm daisy-chaining the lights together, currently I've been twisting the earths together and covering with green earth sheathing. The earth is then wired to the junction box along with the live and neutral.

I've since been told that if something doesn't require earth, then I should just leave the earth cable disconnected, which is correct?

Thanks

[ericmark]

With any installation after 1966 when the 14th Edition came out must have an earth available. You therefore need to ensure there is a good connection on all earth cables.

Normal method is to use an earth loop impedance meter.