Johnlkuk

Yes, my post-posting thoughts exactly. Just disconnect one side of switch (safely) and see if glow goes 👍

I'm not qualified in electrickery, but would be interested in what the pros thought of my approach. For the glowing issue I would start by changing the light switch. My reasoning is that if it is not completely isolating when it is in the "off" position, then some "seepage" maybe occurring, hence the glow. I know in this instance it is the N being switched, but a "leaky" switch would have the same effect whether L or N. To confirm this, you buy a completely new switch and change it. Otherwise, you test the existing switch by swapping it with one of the other switches that operate the same kind of new light (that doesn't glow). If the switch is leaky it will show in it's new position, and the glowing light (with newly positioned old working switch) will glow no more. Obviously with care, and with the appropriate breakers switched off. Find them by turning the lights on first, then switching breakers until the lights go out. If the light fittings can be duff from new, who says the switches can't be nearly duff from years of use?

Next I'll do the same up in the bathroom ceiling and then connect the two together and send back to the CU ready for a 3 core cable changeover sometime in the future (after the RCBO/CU upgrade). Many thanks again for the help and advice, and particularly much respect to you Crossy for sharing your knowledge. 👍

Looks as bright as using the neutral, so I'm well happy. Cable and clamps courtesy of Lazada.

Then connected to one rebar: And then with 2 rebars connected:

An update after some more success using the rebar. 1st picture using live and neutral from a socket:

Correct, no earth found after a good search. There's just live and neutral coming into the condo (red and blue)

Thanks for the extra input. I've linked my friend to this thread now so he can take note of the technical side of things. He will be the one to source what I need there. One other thing that was mentioned by Crossy would make sense to him too: "A UK main switch would be an isolator, that would not suit here (there is no DNO fuse here) you need a double-pole Mcb" I guess he would have to make sure he got one that fitted in the CU he supplies.

Thanks Crossy, I really appreciate your help in this.

Sorry, I don't understand the question. The 1st pic is using L and N from the socket. 2nd and 3rd pics are using the rebar. I looked again but can't see the wattage of the bulb, it looks like it says 220v/230v but no sign of wattage.

Quite dim but I've no sandpaper and it was just a loose connection, but maybe with a better connection, and some daisy-chaining to other exposed metal?

Sorry, I'm not quoting again but I can't seem to delete this. Anyway, some progress. No need to go out shopping as my tv cabinet had a bulb and holder etc hiding away at the back of a shelf. Not sure on wattage as its unclear, but success with earthing: 1st picture using L and N from socket: 2nd and 3rd pictures using L from socket and rebar for E/N:

I stand corrected, thank you. I wholeheartedly trust what my friend tells me, I just maybe got it slightly wrong 🙄

When he was here, my mate said he had some spare plastic CUs back home that he wouldn't be using as they only fit metal now. Pretty sure he suggested a main RCD switch, then individual RCBOs for each circuit. When I've looked here it seems the main switch is RCBO and the other smaller ones, not. If there was any other issue with the electrics here in my condo, the concern would be the whole lot would trip leaving me with nothing, rather than individual circuits, which could be investigated further. Even if the set up he suggested could be bought here, he won't be here to help, and I have limited time to do much on this trip.

OK, thanks again, and bear with me as I'll keep it safe and pick up a lamp holder and some other bits beforehand. I will report back.

Yes sorry, I've got both (not that I know my way around the MM too well). But no lamp/holder etc.

Yes, I did wonder if I had been a bit hasty throwing it out and it was quite a modern looking Samsung model. It was plugged into an old looking socket in the kitchen, which after the heavy rain a few weeks back, popped the main breaker with an almighty bang. I had heard popping prior to this but didn't pinpoint where it was coming from. It turns out all (3 I believe) circuits from the kitchen, are joined up in the CU and coming from the main breaker. I've replaced the 2 connected kitchen sockets since and connected them away from any damp.

Bear with me on this, I have limited tools and equipment, even a lamp and holder, but I will test and report back soon

My mate had a "tingle" from the metal casing of the microwave when it was first plugged in. The plug was pulled and it was ditched straight away. This alerted us there was no earthing anywhere. The balcony balustrades are stone, so not even a possibility of a temporary earth there.

Luckily I have the hideous suspended tiled ceilings in the bathroom and kitchen. Not much I can see in the bathroom, which is nearer to the CU, but I found this in the kitchen. That is if you mean exposed rebar, as it is concrete/block construction.

This is the closest to an earth in the whole condo.

As the title says: is it even possible to create an earth on the 12th floor of a condo block? I recently purchased the condo in an older block (1992 build) and have found issues with the electrics. Apart from there being no earth, there's several circuits that are joined together and protected just by the main breaker. Photo attached An electrician friend of mine was here for a few weeks and the outcome of an assessment was to change the consumer unit, and to fit the new with individual RCBOs. The idea is to buy what I need back in the UK and to bring it all over next time. Without my friend here to ask right now, I am wondering again about the lack of an earth. Is it possible to find an earth up here on the 12th floor (all plastic pipework as far as I can see), is it even super-important to have one, or is there another option (I read on this forum about combining the neutral and earth, if that's the right term).

Went there yesterday, plenty of choice, and a great store which seemed to cover everything. Mate got everything he needed and I bought something too. Thanks again.

Excellent, thank you. I just looked them up and they have some good stuff. I'll take him along there tomorrow.