I just bought a chandelier from IKEA which came with 3 wires, - black, white, and green/yellow striped. The green/yellow stiped wire is reconnected to the chandelier and then there is a loose end as well.

The house is only wired with 2 wires, black and white. What is the green/yellow striped wire for? - is it a ground wire?

Ikea customer service couldn't answer the question..

Thanks for you help!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by wiregirl

I just bought a chandelier from IKEA which came with 3 wires, - black, white, and green/yellow striped. The green/yellow stiped wire is reconnected to the chandelier and then there is a loose end as well.

The house is only wired with 2 wires, black and white. What is the green/yellow striped wire for? - is it a ground wire?

Ikea customer service couldn't answer the question..?

Thanks for you help!!

---

Yes it is a Ground wire. If your House wiring is of the old type with just 2 wires, then the Green wire can be connected to the Metal case of the Ceiling Mount box... if there is no 3rd bare copper wire with the Black & White wire in the ceiling. Otherwise the Green wire gets connected to that which would be the Ground.
Caution: Be aware that there is No Ground Return if you only have 2 wires. A person could get shocked (tho' not always typical )from touching case of Fan