Cable size question

[RobTi]

hi my mother has 4 x 10w 230v pir led floodlights that I have to fit,first run is 4m from existing outside light above door 2nd run goes away in the opposite direction from door and has a light 4m away then another a further one another 4m away and the last another 4m along. So would 1.5 t/e be sufficient and would wiring in series be okay?
Thanks

 

[winston1]

1.5t/e is over the top. 1.0 is all that is required for lighting. Having said that if it is outside t/e should not be used at all.

You certainly don't wire them in series as you would only get 60 volts per lamp. They must be wired in parallel.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

1.5mm² is OK, but twin & earth shouldn't really be used outdoors - it's not UV stable, and it is tricky to gland properly into lights etc.

And wiring in series will stop the lights from working.


https://www.diynot.com/wiki/Electrics:Parallel-Lights

 

[crystal ball]

If it is out of harms way I use this for outside lights

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/NY1dot5slash3.html

 

[RobTi]

Thanks will have a read at the links it will be fitted in trunking fixed to the soffit and my bad with saying in series, I meant running the cable from start to finish and breaking into it at the light with a junction box

 

[winston1]

Why a junction box? Just go in and out of each light.

 

[jg321]

saying in series, I meant running the cable from start to finish

They knew this was most probably what you meant, and while it's certainly worth clarifying, it's not their style to correct you in a constructive manner.

 

[JohnW2]

Why a junction box? Just go in and out of each light.

In concept, I agree. However, with some light fittings it can be a bit of a struggle with just one cable (just as with cars and many other things, those who design things don't usually have to work on them)! Also, given that this is outside, it might not necessarily be easy to gland-in two cables (if there is not provision for that provided).

Kind Regards, John

 

[ban-all-sheds]

They knew this was most probably what you meant, and while it's certainly worth clarifying, it's not their style to correct you in a constructive manner.

¿Que?

https://www.diynot.com/wiki/Electricsarallel-Lights

Why did you not bother to look at the information I put in my post, to constructively clarify series vs parallel? Not interested in truth and facts?


EDIT===========================================

Apologies - I had in fact overlooked that.

Thanks - apology accepted.​

 

[crystal ball]

Why a junction box? Just go in and out of each light.

Most LED floods come prewired

 

[EFLImpudence]

They knew this was most probably what you meant,

Yes, most probably the best way to do electrical work.

and while it's certainly worth clarifying,

What was wrong with the two posts, #2 & #3, that did clarify the matter?

it's not their style to correct you in a constructive manner.

What is constructive about your post?

 

[RobTi]

Sorry for the confusion, junction box as the lights are all prewired and easier to do it inside the box than trying to rewire into light

 

[JohnW2]

What was wrong with the two posts, #2 & #3, that did clarify the matter?

Nothing really (I suppose they could have been worded in slightly more 'friendly' ways, but that's of little importance), and I strongly suspect that if anyone else had written them, there would probably have been no comment.

However, once one has made one's bed, one has to lie on it. As above, if the authors of the those posts were not people who "come with extensive histories", there would probably have been no comment.

Kind Regards, John

 

[EFLImpudence]

That is true but it has become commonplace to admonish them even when they are correct - seemingly just for the sake of it.

 

[jg321]

That is true but it has become commonplace to admonish them even when they are correct - seemingly just for the sake of it.

Thanks for the clarification (although it wasn't directly to me). I'd like to point out that this was certainly not my intention. The main reason for my post was frustration - I see a lot of really good, sound advice (most of the time!) from people that if delivered in a more considerate/constructive manner, would, in my opinion have a much greater impact on the person receiving it. It's clear we have a lot of experienced and knowledgable people on here, and I'd hate to see that go to waste.