Jaw-type cord grips clamp on to the flex as the plug is closed up. They are simpler and more reliable than the bar- type cord grip. • Round-pin plugs, now rarely used fa unring system with round-pin sockets is probably in urgent need of replacement), usually have no fuse. • Most plugs are fitted with a bar- type cord grip. It is worth checking that these grips remain secure, as they can become loose. Some plugs are made for easy wiring, and are fitted with snap-down terminals instead of screw-down ones, which need a screwdriver. Extending flex Ideally, every electrical appliance should have a / continuous flex long enough to reach from appliance to socket. But in some situations you will want a longer flex without having to fit a completely new length to the appliance, or using an extension reel. In this case you need to join an extra length of flex to the existing one, using a special flex connector. One-part connectors are ideal for flexes that will stay in one position – supplying a standard lamp, for example.
Two-part connectors are better for portable appliances such as vacuum cleaners or powered garden tools, where you do not want to store the extra flex on the appliance. With this type, always connect the part with the pins to the flex running to the appliance. For other appliances, extend flex permanently with a one-piece connector. T iring a pendent light lex also connects pendent lampholders to heir ceiling roses. Use round PVC-sheathed we-core O.Smm2 flex without an earth, nless the lampholder is metallic, when hree-core flex with an earth must be used. For lampshades weighing more than 2kg f4Xlb), fit O.7Smm2 flex instead. Within the ceiling rose, strip back the insulation on the flex cores to allow them to be connected to the switch live and circuit neutral terminals, and loop each core over the support hook to prevent any strain on the connections.
At the lampholder, again carefully strip the cores, connect them to the lampholder terminals and loop them over the support hooks. Remember to thread the flex through the rose and lampholder cover before making the final connections. Luminaire support couplers These are special plug-and-socket connect- ors that take the place of the conventional ceiling rose. The flex from the pendent lampholder is wired to a specially designed plug that engages in the ceiling-mounted socket. This means the light can be “unplugged” at any time and taken down very easily for cleaning or repair, for example, or when the room is being redecorated. The circuit cables are connected to the socket part of the coupler in the same way as for a ceiling rose. Stripping cable sheathing OTO strip cable sheathing, either slit it with a knife or grip the earth core with pliers and pull this to split the Pvc.