Drilling through external wall for an outside light.

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What size drill bit should I be using to run the cable through the wall ? My thickest bit is 14mm.

Also, do I need to put something into the hole to protect the cable before the cable actually goes through ? Like a conduit I suppose.

Cheers, Lee.[/b]
 
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What size drill bit should I be using to run the cable through the wall ? My thickest bit is 14mm.

Also, do I need to put something into the hole to protect the cable before the cable actually goes through ? Like a conduit I suppose.

Cheers, Lee.[/b]

Well, how thick is the cable and how thick is the wall? ;)

You can run the cable in conduit, but you don't have to if it's going straight into the back of the light and not being exposed to UV if it's not an exterior cable.
 
If you're using a single 1.0mm or 1.5mm flex then a 10mm bit should be fine.
 
I'll probably use 2.5mm because I'll have some left after putting some other cabling in.

The light and the PIR are separate so if I have to run some cable on the outside, how do I protect it ?
 
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angle the hole slightly down from inside to out to prevent water coming in
 
Sorry Salad but you should be aware that sealant can fail and that a downward slope on the hole ( outside lower than inside ) is a better way to prevent water ingress.

In a cavity wall a down slope is essential to prevent moisture bridging from outer wall to inner wall along the cable.
 
Sorry Salad but you should be aware that sealant can fail and that a downward slope on the hole ( outside lower than inside ) is a better way to prevent water ingress.

In a cavity wall a down slope is essential to prevent moisture bridging from outer wall to inner wall along the cable.

No need to be sorry.

I'm not saying that downwards out isn't a good idea, but I've never had a seal fail ;)
 
I tend to use gravity, seal the hole and put a drip loop on the cable, then you've covered yourself!!
 
what sort of wall arew you drilling through? If it is a cavity wall, the cable should be protected in the cavity with a conduit of some sort, against falling material within cavity or potential insulation which could effect the pvc insulation.
 

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