installing 9 outside 240v lights - advice please

dbaplaya · 18 May 2010

would like to install 9 outside lights, they will have 21W low energy bulbs, dotted around the garden. Electrician has put a junction box outside on the patio (he is doing quite a bit of other work as we are having an extension). What i need to know is can i wite the lights up myself to the junction box. Also what cable to i need, can i use 'Pond cable' 3 core, inside plastic tubing?

thanks

ban-all-sheds · 18 May 2010

Why not ask him to do it?

dbaplaya · 18 May 2010

just cost really, we have hit our budget. il ask him see what he says.
regarding the law - is it ok to put it in trunking?

ban-all-sheds · 18 May 2010

It depends - there are quite a few variables.

There are no laws which apply to you up there, but you should still do it according to the wiring regs.

Assuming you get on with the guy, just ask his advice - he's on site and can see the route you plan etc., can't see him charging you much to look over it when he stops for a fag/cuppa.

Steve · 18 May 2010

NO YOU CANNOT USE FLEX INSIDE TUBE, TRUNKING OR PLASTIC CONDUIT OTHERWISE.

You should run SWA (steel wire armoured) cable around the garden, buried 18 inches deep, or fixed to a sturdy fence or wall. At each place you want a light provide a junction box to loop the SWA in and out of, and use flex there from the junction box to the light.

The SWA will be the biggest outlay, followed by the junction boxes and glands.

Taylortwocities · 19 May 2010

Plus the time to make off 18 SWA glands.

Steve · 19 May 2010

Taylortwocities said:
Plus the time to make off 18 SWA glands.

He wants to do it himself. I wouldn't like to think of the labour cost for that

Gotta be a full days work!

Just thinking, would there be any fewer glands if, say, 3 central boxes were used and do a "star" wiring system to the lights. Too late to work it out now

dbaplaya · 19 May 2010

For some reason my profile says i live in scotland, i'm based in Birmingham.

ban-all-sheds · 19 May 2010

The reason is that's what you "chose" as your location when you registered. It's the first location on the list, so if you don't bother to change it....

Anyway - the Building Regulations do apply and this work is notifiable. If your electrician is self-certifying the rest of the work and you DIY the garden lights there'll be a discrepancy between your installation and what is certificated.

This may or may not cause you problems in the future.

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installing 9 outside 240v lights - advice please

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