Cables too short.

[Gilgamesh]

Hi....

I've jsut had a ceiling overboarded and replastered in a bedroom and have just noticed the cables to the light fitting are now too short to get them into a light fitting without putting a lot of strain on the cables.

Would it be ok to put a junction box in the loft area and then run a single T&E or 3 core flex to the new light fitting?

Thanks.........Gilgamesh

 

[davy_owen_88]

Yes that's fine. The JB must be kept accessible, so remember not to board over it at a later date.

 

[RobFurn]

Davy

Just picking up on you point about accessibility
Theres been a bit of talk about accesibility on the forum lately just wondered what your opinion is. My opinion is that so long as an electrician can get to the JB assuming he knows where it is then thats ok. i.e under floorboards, under a ceiling. An example of not accessible would be plastered over.

 

[JohnD]

If you can't see it, it's inaccessible. How will anyone get at a JB when thay can't see where it is?

If it's under the floor, then even if YOU know which board to lift, it's inaccessible. Anyway, someone will put down fitted carpet or laminate flooring on top of it.

 

[RobFurn]

Noted JohnD cheers
Anyone else have an opinion I only ask as I have seen loads of JBs under floorboards.

 

[bernardgreen]

Anyone else have an opinion I only ask as I have seen loads of JBs under floorboards.

The problem is as everyone with any experience knows, the screws come loose and the joint becomes resistive. Current through a resistor creates heat. Once there is a it of warmth the thermal cycling accelerates the failure of the joint. Sparks, heat going un-noticed.

If one is lucky eventually some melted insulation creates a short that trips the RCD and / or the MCD Now comes the job of finding that JB and replacing cable.

If one is not lucky then there could be a serious fire started.

 

[plugwash]

If you can't see it, it's inaccessible. How will anyone get at a JB when thay can't see where it is?

that is why you should keep a record of all wiring in your house, so that you and future occupants can find the junctions if nessacery,

If it's under the floor, then even if YOU know which board to lift, it's inaccessible.

if the regs actually defined what accessible meant we wouldn't be having this discussion in the first place.

Anyway, someone will put down fitted carpet or laminate flooring on top of it.

all too true.

 

[tim west]

if the regs actually defined what accessible meant we wouldn't be having this discussion in the first place.

Accessible no need for tools, Inaccessible need for tools?

 

[plugwash]

does it say that in the regs anywhere? (if so please say where) or is that just your opinion on the matter

 

[bernardgreen]

Sound like common sense to me to have rapid access to all connections.

 

[tim west]

does it say that in the regs anywhere? (if so please say where) or is that just your opinion on the matter

Definitions 2.3

 

[stevesey]

if the regs actually defined what accessible meant we wouldn't be having this discussion in the first place.

Accessible no need for tools, Inaccessible need for tools?

So under floorboards is OK if the "hatch" isn't screwed down? :tongue in cheek:

 

[RF Lighting]

I hate joint box hiders.


Had one failed under a carpeted floor yesterday which was causing the RCD main switch to trip.

Had to move the following out of the room just to get the carpet up to access the joint box, and then hump it all back into place, all on my own

Double bed, large heavy wardrobe, bedside table, 2 chairs, desk with computer, chest of drawers with TV and about 15 pairs of shoes.

There was still more stuff in there, but managed to get the carpet far enough up at that.


That is the reason I hate people who hide joint boxes in stupid places.



I fit maybe one joint box a month, and I don't hide them in stupid places.



Guess what!
I've got a photo of one. Chopped into the wall behind a kitchen wall cabinet. That was really easy to find FFS

[/rant]

 

[Odd Job]

Seems a good place to ask this one.

i've just had my loft boarded not yet finished so better ask now! I am drawing the runs of the wires on top of the boards and where there is any lights or fittings im making an access hole is this acceptable?? the holes will then be covered with a small square sheet of hardboard. loft will never be a room just storage so no carpets.

thanks
OJ

 

[RF Lighting]

Sounds ok to me.

I would be happy to find that. All joints accessible and cable runs marked (Also helps you avoid hitting any of the cables when fitting the floor)

If you screw the boards this will make it easier to lift in future should it ever be required.