Downlights

[Jake2021]

Hi,

Just a quick question and more than likely a school boy question !

Usually when I install my own down lights I run them from where the main light rose and in parallel

Is it possible or acceptable to split the main power in a Y to wire the Down lights?

Reason for the question is because my ceiling joists have noggins in and the ceilings are lat and plaster so can’t really or easily get a run of cable through without a lot of holes and poss re board.

I can’t lift floor boards upstairs either‍

P- power to current light fitting
L - down lights

When split they will be in parallel
Thanks
Jake

 

[EFLImpudence]

Yes, any configuration will do. Y, X, K, tree.

 

[ericmark]

Low voltage (230 volt) needs an earth, separated extra low voltage should not have an earth, with the exception of the tooth brush outlet all low voltage needs RCD protection, and one tries to ensure the loop impedance is within limits, which change to match the protective device, but as long as the protective device and the cable match, you can run wires any way you want within the safe zones.

 

[Jake2021]

Many thanks for the replies, it does have a earth as it’s the main lighting for the house and is also rcd protected.

It was more if it was acceptable to split the power two different ways eg Y which I was unsure about

But that’s for clearing all that up
… makes m Life a whole
Lot easier splitting it in two directions !
Thanks
Jake

 

[Risteard]

Low voltage (230 volt) needs an earth, separated extra low voltage should not have an earth, with the exception of the tooth brush outlet all low voltage needs RCD protection, and one tries to ensure the loop impedance is within limits, which change to match the protective device, but as long as the protective device and the cable match, you can run wires any way you want within the safe zones.

A shaver socket utilises electrical separation - it's not SELV.

 

[JohnW2]

A shaver socket utilises electrical separation - it's not SELV.

Why not? It surely is SELV (per BS7671 definition) isn't it?

 

[Taylortwocities]

It isn’t SELV

If it is anything it’s SLV

 

[JohnW2]

It isn’t SELV .... If it is anything it’s SLV

You (and Risteard) are obviously right. I got myself confused because, for some reason, eric brought SELV (and shaver sockets) into the discussion (about, I assumed, LV downlights). My apologies.

Kind Regards, John

 

[Taylortwocities]

Nobody’s perfect!

 

[JohnW2]

Nobody’s perfect!

Certainly not me

Kind Regards, John

 

[bernardgreen]

Could even be galvanic separation