On Wed, 27 Apr 2005 21:51:24 +0100, Joe wrote:

You shouldn't have any appliance with exposed metal parts which are not
earthed. Such an appliance needs three-core cable and all of the metal
parts well earthed. In an anglepoise, in particular, there will be mains
wires flexing every time the lamp is moved. Eventually the insulation
will crack, and a wire will touch the metal body. You really want a good
earth at this point.

If it's the sort of anglepoise lamp I'm thinking of it will be double
insulated.

Whilst it would be sensible to earth the thing, it will need 'cross
bonding' across the hinged joints.