Ancient ceiling pendant fitting

tudorfan39

Here is a picture of my 1960’s light fitting. I’m wondering what’s underneath, currently wondering if I need an electrician to replace with a new fitting. Anyone seen anything like this before?

tudorfan39

here is a pic

Rodders53

Yes.  https://flameport.com/electric_museum/old_wiring_accessories/volex_ceiling_rose.cs4

Old plastic style - repeatedly over-painted.  It should unscrew to expose the terminals.  Looks like the outer insulation is not fully inside the housing so could do with some TLC;  and cleaning

Bookworm105

yes, all my lights are still like that, complete with 1964's twisted flex. It is a nuisance as it causes limitations but I can live with it rather than spend money on solving something i don't "need" to solve. 



how modern is the consumer unit?

has the property ever been rewired? If not it is highly likely those pendants are fed with 2 core wire without an earth, so you will have a major problem if your new light fitting must have an earth connection to be safe.

electrician almost certain to recommend a total re-wire.
it'll be 50/50 if that is genuine or just a job creation comment

silvercar

Who knows what is under that paint? Could be Bakelite and date back to the 40s!

Flugelhorn

silvercar said:

Who knows what is under that paint? Could be Bakelite and date back to the 40s!

was thinking they could be the old black bakelite underneath - certainly familiar from my parents early 50s house

FreeBear

Bookworm105 said: has the property ever been rewired? If not it is highly likely those pendants are fed with 2 core wire without an earth, so you will have a major problem if your new light fitting must have an earth connection to be safe.

Is the wiring vulcanised rubber (VIR) ?

If so, the whole lot needs rewiring as a matter of urgency. VIR goes brittle and starts falling off the conductors leaving live wires exposed. This is a serious safety hazard and a major fire risk.

Should the cables be 1960s PVC insulated, it would be wise to get the place rewired.

Bookworm105

FreeBear said:

Bookworm105 said: has the property ever been rewired? If not it is highly likely those pendants are fed with 2 core wire without an earth, so you will have a major problem if your new light fitting must have an earth connection to be safe.

 it would be wise to get the place rewired.

yes it would be wise, but the annoying thing is one is no longer "allowed" to DIY a job I can do but not sign off.

perhaps I should open a go fund me page?

BarelySentientAI

Bookworm105 said:

FreeBear said:

Bookworm105 said: has the property ever been rewired? If not it is highly likely those pendants are fed with 2 core wire without an earth, so you will have a major problem if your new light fitting must have an earth connection to be safe.

 it would be wise to get the place rewired.

yes it would be wise, but the annoying thing is one is no longer "allowed" to DIY a job I can do but not sign off.

perhaps I should open a go fund me page?

You're allowed - there are just consequences.

Bookworm105

BarelySentientAI said:

Bookworm105 said:

FreeBear said:

Bookworm105 said: has the property ever been rewired? If not it is highly likely those pendants are fed with 2 core wire without an earth, so you will have a major problem if your new light fitting must have an earth connection to be safe.

 it would be wise to get the place rewired.

yes it would be wise, but the annoying thing is one is no longer "allowed" to DIY a job I can do but not sign off.

perhaps I should open a go fund me page?

You're allowed - there are just consequences.

yes I end up having to pay for someone else to sign off at a cost equivalent to them doing the job in the first place.
Easier to leave  as a "problem" for my estate when it comes to selling up and funding my funeral..

FreeBear

Bookworm105 said:

FreeBear said:

Bookworm105 said: has the property ever been rewired? If not it is highly likely those pendants are fed with 2 core wire without an earth, so you will have a major problem if your new light fitting must have an earth connection to be safe.

 it would be wise to get the place rewired.

yes it would be wise, but the annoying thing is one is no longer "allowed" to DIY a job I can do but not sign off.

You are "allowed" to change fittings, replace damaged cables, and even extend a circuit - None of it requires signing off. Although, the NICEIC would have you believe that all work must be carried out by one of their "members".

The sort of work that requires certifying includes (not a comprehensive list) -

• Fitting a new consumer unit.
• Installing a new circuit.
• Rewiring a house.
• Fitting a new shower in a bathroom.

The rules in Scotland & N.I. vary, so do check local legislation.