Security lights - advice on cable run please

marmite · 21 Dec 2004

Hi

I'm about to install a couple of outdoor security lights. For one of them I'm able to access the back of the lamp going straight through the exterior wall.

The other requires a cable run vertically down the outside of the house, with the run originating in the loft. I can't find any info that specifies whether I need any sort of cable protection in this scenario.

Obviously the cable itself is weatherproof, and it's not going to be subject to external impact or abrasion .... but it still seems "wrong" to be running bare cable outdoors! Anyone shed more light on this please (no pun intended)?

andy · 21 Dec 2004

most people just use PVC flex, but to be honest am not sure what is susposed to be used. if you wanted to go to extremes you could use SWA

marmite · 21 Dec 2004

Yeah ... it's the "supposed to be used" bit I'm concerned about

Lectrician · 21 Dec 2004

Twin and earth cable may be used outdoors out of direct sunlight due to the effects of solar gain. It can also become brittle with climate temperature change.

Can you not drill at an angle to get the cable to enter the rear of the light?

breezer · 21 Dec 2004

twin + earth and pvc flex are NOT designed to be used permanently outside. You could put the cable in plastic conduit or use "arctic blue" flex which IS designed to be used outside

marmite · 21 Dec 2004

Okay. I must admit I was considering plastic conduit, but more out of guesswork than knowledge .... hence the question. That's helpful - thanks folks.

jjarvis · 22 Dec 2004

Didn't I read in the Nic Technical Manual that they frown upon drilling through exterior walls because of water ingress. It makes sense, but Have often wondered how the hell else they expect you to get a cable through. Or am I missing the point somewhat?

breezer · 22 Dec 2004

if drilling from inside out drill downwards at a slight angle

andy · 22 Dec 2004

breezer said:
if drilling from inside out drill downwards at a slight angle

and use silicone as extra protection

TraineeSpark · 23 Dec 2004

no problems with the drilling down or use of silicon, but if they are gonna get picky, where do i get silicon that don't contain plasticiser?

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Security lights - advice on cable run please

breezer

jjarvis

breezer

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