Has your electrician said you will have to have double insulated lights? This blog will help you to understand all about double insulated lighting and show you some of the stylish double insulated light fittings that are available today from Bespoke Lights.
Why Do I Need Double Insulated Lights?
Double insulated lights are lights that do not require an earth cable. An earth cable will probably be installed in your home if it was built after 1970 in which case you will be able to choose any light fittings. However, many older properties, particularly those built before the 1960’s, do not have earth cables and for safety reasons you will need to select double insulated lights.
If you are unsure whether all or part of your property has an earth cable we would recommend you contact an electrician for advice.
What is Different About Double Insulated Lights?
Double insulated lights have two layers of insulation built in to isolate the live parts. In the event of a fault this extra insulation prevents the fitting becoming live and reduces the risk of an electric shock. In the past many homes were fitted with light fittings that were not double insulated – a rather dangerous practice but as there were no regulations it was fairly common. However, modern regulations governing wiring are, rightly, more stringent and you must now use double insulated lights if you do not have an earth cable.
Is There Any Alternative to Using Double Insulated Lights?
The only alternative to using double insulated lights is to have your property re-wired by a professional electrician. The electrician will replace some or all of the wiring to bring it up to modern standards. This will be a more expensive proposition than simply selecting double insulated lights, and you will need to weigh up your options carefully. If your wiring is old and outdated it may become unsafe and could end up costing you more in the long run to fix faults that keep occurring. If a complete rewiring is not practical or affordable, double insulated lights are a good interim solution.
How Can I Tell if Lights are Double Insulated?
Normal light fittings are known as Class 1 which means they will require an earth cable. Double insulated lights are known as Class 11 or Class 2 light fittings and do not require an earth cable. In addition, there is also a logo for double insulated lighting which is a black square within a black square. This should appear on the packaging and instructions provided with the light.
Can I Use Double Insulated Lights Even If I Have an Earth Cable?
Yes, you can. You can happily select from either standard or double insulated lighting ranges. Many of our customers select double insulated lights simply because they like them!
Are Double Insulated Lights More Expensive?
Double insulated lights should not be any more expensive that normal light fittings. In the past it was quite difficult to find decent double insulated lighting but thankfully you no longer have to settle for ugly plastic light fittings as more and more manufacturers are now producing great ranges of double insulated lighting. Admittedly the choice is not as extensive as it would be for standard light fittings, but you should still, nevertheless, be able to find lights that you will be more than happy with.
Are Double Insulted Lights More Difficult to Fit?
The quick answer is ‘No’. They are exactly the same to fit as standard light fittings and can be done by any competent electrician.
What Types of Double Insulated Lights are Available?
Double insulated lights are available in a whole host of designs, colours and shapes. They look exactly the same as standard light fittings and are made of the same materials. Double insulated lights include ceiling lights, wall lights, chandeliers, spotlights as well as bathroom lights and exterior lights.
Where Can I Buy Double Insulated Lights?
The majority of on-line lighting companies and retailers sell double insulated lights. Here at Bespoke Lights we have made it that little bit easier for you to find what you are looking for. If for instance you are looking for a double insulated ceiling pendant then simply select this option from our drop-down menu bar – you will then be able to select double insulated from the options of the left-hand side which will bring up all the double insulated ceiling pendants.
Now, let’s have a look at some of the double insulated lights on offer in a little more detail.
Double Insulated Ceiling Lights and Chandeliers
The Todd is a 6 light ceiling fitting with an updated rustic baronial feel, taking its inspiration from the Medieval cartwheel chandeliers. It is just perfect for older properties and is teamed with taupe linen shades to give a slightly warmer feel. With a maximum drop of 1.8 metres it can cater for high ceilings – another features of many older homes.
A charming Arts and Crafts style ceiling pendant designed and made in the UK by Cotswolds based David Hunt Lighting. The Twain pendants are available in a choice of finishes and with a good selection of coloured silk shades. An elegant rustic look with an open orb frame constructed of circular metal bands embellished with rivet detailing. Shown here in pewter with an ivory silk shade. Looks stunning from any angle.
A range of double insulated traditional chandeliers ranging from a small 3 light version right up to the largest 18 light shown here. The Katie chandeliers provide a high impact look that replicates crystal but at a more affordable price. Richly decorated with pear shaped glass droplets and beaded chains on a glass frame with barley twist acrylic arms. This substantial fitting is a good choice for larger rooms where a dramatic feature light is needed.
The Badger ceiling pendants are traditional hanging lights with a rustic edge. Designed and made here in the UK by David Hunt Lighting. The simplicity and quality of the materials are reminiscent of the hand crafted lighting of the Arts and Crafts movement that was at its height during the later Victorian era. It is shown here in the aged bronze finish with an opal satin glass shade which has slight ribbed appearance.
Three very different wall lights that are all double insulated. The Brutus fitting on the left is another offering from the David Hunt Lighting Collection and is designed to resemble a crocodile tail with extremely realistic scales depicted in bronze. A slightly quirky designer look perfect for Oriental or African themed rooms. The left hand version is shown here – they can be used individually or as a pair for lighting either side of a fireplace or long wall. Shown with a taupe silk shade – other shade colours are available.
The Lindisfarne wall sconce shown in the centre is a rustic Gothic style wall bracket in antique pewter plate with a single candle style light. A great Medieval monastic look with a rustic handmade quality. This wall light was chosen by the William Morris gallery for using in their displays as it is a credible reproduction of the Arts and Crafts style of lighting.
The Ray wall light on the right is part of a range of double insulated lighting that includes a single ceiling pendant and a multiple 3 light pendant – the 3 light bar pendant is illustrated earlier in this blog. This is a delightful range of vintage light fittings with a distinctive nostalgic feel that sits well in both traditional and modern interiors.
Double Insulated Table and Floor Lamps
A duo of curated modern table lamps. The Liquid table lamps are aptly named as they have been made to replicate the silvery black, rainbow sheen or film that forms on oil spills. These stylish dramatic lights with their attractive ribbed detailing are made in Portugal and give all the appearance of expensive designer lights without the matching price tag. The lamps are shown with ivory silk drum shades – other coloured silk shades are available. The pendant shown in the image is also double insulated.
The Blyton floor lamp is a wonderful marriage of light wood, vintage braid cord cables and metal shades painted in soft muted colours. Retro styling with a rustic shabby chic look that will add personality and charm to both traditional and modern interiors. Perfect for teaming with the matching lights in the same range (shown earlier in this blog) which are also double insulated.
The Gift white gloss textured table lamp is a statuesque lamp with a geometric 3D pattern on a tall cylindrical base teamed with a white linen shade that echoes the shape of the base. Its neutral colour provides a nice sense of tranquility that can be teamed with almost any colour scheme.
Double Insulated Bathroom Light Fittings
Inject a little Hollywood style and glamour with the Cabaret bathroom wall light shown on the left. A wonderful wall light that can be used to frame a bathroom mirror to re-create the look of a theatre dressing room. This is the larger of the two Cabaret wall lights and features 5 bulbs on a long chrome bar.
The Como IP44 cluster of bathroom ceiling spotlights are shown in the centre image. This is a stylish and functional fitting that will give a good level of light. In polished chrome with 3 adjustable spotlights that can be used to direct light around the bathroom.
The Belgravia wall light shown on the right is an elegant very low energy LED wall light fitting with more than a hint of Art Deco styling with its stepped chrome profile. Available in a choice of sizes and just great for providing a chic boutique hotel style look to bathrooms.
We hope this blog has helped you understand a little more about double insulated lighting and shown that these lights are available in elegant and stylish designs. You can see many more double insulated lights on the Bespoke Lights website, so we do hope you can find what you are looking for. If you need any more help please contact our sales team who will be more than happy to assist you.
