Loft conversion lighting

[jordy_boy]

Hello everyone
Sorry if this has been asked before I did try searching it.

Im in the process of converting my loft and want to add 3 ceiling spotlights.

I can easily cut into the upstairs lights supply and add a junction box to supply the power for this. Ive been told that I can just run a cable from this junction box to the new switch and from then on to the 3 lights, leaving the neutral intact and just having the live broken by the switch.

I see from the diagrams on here this is not the correct way of doing it but is it still acceptable to do it this way?

Also is it ok legally for me to do this myself anyway or does it need an electrician?

Thanks in advance

 

[leeco]

Its a new circuit and needs to be done to the 17th edition wiring regulations. is the old circuit upto the 17th edition?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Also is it ok legally for me to do this myself anyway or does it need an electrician?

When you applied for Building Regulations approval, what did you say would be the way you'd ensure the electrical work would comply with Part P?

 

[Iggifer]

Adding a light to an existing circuit is not notifiable, which is what this is.

A new circuit is back to the consumer unit.

My loft lights are just connected into the bathroom lighting JB - if I was wiring it now I would take it back to the CU for its own circuit, but it's not worth the disruption for the unlikely event the lights trip whilst im in the loft

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Adding a light to an existing circuit is not notifiable

Indeed not.

But a loft conversion is, the electrical work has to comply with Part P (notifiable in its own right or not) and if LABC are to issue a certificate saying that the loft conversion complied with the Building Regulations they'll want to know how the electrics will comply.

 

[Iggifer]

Totally agree BAS, was just pointing out leeco's inaccurate statement

 

[leeco]

Totally agree BAS, was just pointing out leeco's inaccurate statement

Yeah sorry, im just doing a loft conversion myself and it needs to comply with Part P to get it signed off by BC.

 

[jordy_boy]

hi thanks for the replies.

Saying converting my loft may have been a bit misleading.
It isnt high enough to convert into a proper room so basically I have boarded half the floor out fixed plaster board to the roof joists and plastered.

I dont need to get building regs to do that do I?

 

[leeco]

It will never be classed as a bedroom so no.

 

[bernardgreen]

It will never be classed as a bedroom so no.

Best to informally ask the building control office. Some will require notification if the space can be used for a games room. model railway layout etc etc. They may also be prepared to give advice about floor loading based on the size of the joists. Many lofts have joists that are intended only to support the weight of the ceiling below. boarding out and storing items on such joists can end up with bending joists and cracking ceilings.