Recently bought a ceramic bulb for my BP. I've also got the recommended ceramic holder (as the bulbs apparently get too hot for the normal ones). Additionally, I've now discovered that I also need high-temperature mains wire, as normal wire can conduct the heat and melt!

I've found somewhere to order the wire from, so no problems there. However, the supplier is asking if I require an earth lead included. I replied back saying that the bulb holder only has 2 connections (live and neutral / blue and brown, so an earth is not required.

However, they have replied back saying that some people like to run the earth wire to the metal bulb guard to prevent against the possibility that the 'live' wire may become detatched and touch it, thus making the guard live and risking electric shock (and possible death!) for anyone/thing that touches it!

I would've thought the chances of that are extrememly unlikely, but just wondered what other people do?

Do I need to earth the bulb cage or is it fine to just make sure the live and neutral are properly connected? If I DO need to earth the guard, is it simply a case of soldering the earth wire to the corner of the guard somewhere? Also, what are the consequences of the 'earth' wire becoming detached and touching something?

Please excuse my ignorance - I ain't no electrician!