Loft light; confusion with wiring style

MoonMan2 · 11 Jul 2018

Rather than be concerned with messy wiring, what about I use this junction box;

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07D2GJ569/ref=ox_sc_act_title_5?smid=A33XSC68ZCGBM7&psc=1

and also the splitter box, so I can wire 3 bulbs to fully illuminate my loft?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07D2GL37F/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?smid=A33XSC68ZCGBM7&psc=1

This is an instructional video on how to connect these quickwire boxes:

If this is OK, then is it a requirement to have 1.5mm2 'twin and earth' cable wiring from the splitter box to each of the bulb holders?

EFLImpudence · 11 Jul 2018

MoonMan2 said:
If this is OK, then is it a requirement to have 1.5mm2 'twin and earth' cable wiring from the splitter box to each of the bulb holders?

No, but as the connector doesn't take stranded wire you won't be able to use two-core flex so the earth wire (CPC) will always be present with T&E.
I suppose you could pull it out but not much point.

1mm² T&E would be fine.

MoonMan2 · 11 Jul 2018

Right, now thinking about how the bulbs are going to hang. As the loft has wooden beams, not a ceiling, obviously I can't use a standard pendant set up.

I require to use bulb holders of sort, which I'll attach to a wooden beam, where the wiring enters the bulb holder from the SIDE, not from the underside.

Does such a bulb holder exist? A link would be great!

JohnW2 · 11 Jul 2018

MoonMan2 said:
Right, now thinking about how the bulbs are going to hang. As the loft has wooden beams, not a ceiling, obviously I can't use a standard pendant set up. ... I require to use bulb holders of sort, which I'll attach to a wooden beam, where the wiring enters the bulb holder from the SIDE, not from the underside. Does such a bulb holder exist? A link would be great!

I don't know about 'hanging things' (like standard pendants), but there are certainly angled batten holders, like this ...

Kind Regards, John

winston1 · 11 Jul 2018

Any type of bayonet lamp in a holder will not be enough to illuminate a loft. Fit one or two florescent fittings up there.

JohnW2 · 11 Jul 2018

winston1 said:
Any type of bayonet lamp in a holder will not be enough to illuminate a loft. Fit one or two florescent fittings up there.

That depends upon the amount of illumination required. I have large loft spaces illuminated with just one or two pendants, and that produces plenty of illumination for my needs.

Kind Regards, John

MoonMan2 · 16 Jul 2018

Hi guys,

Just thought I'd let you know I've just completed the job, it took me 3.5 hours, doing it over two days. All in all it cost £60.

You can see the two bulbs here. On the right sided bulb you can see the wiring coming from the left and travelling down the truss.

This is the light dimmer switch; I installed on a conveniently located bit of wood at the loft entrance.

Amazing what you find when the place suddenly becomes illuminated - any takers?

With the 8 or so hours of preparation to learn the skill, it was more work and harder than I expected but glad its done!

A big thank you to everyone who offered advice.

Risteard · 16 Jul 2018

A dimmer in the roof space? Seriously?

Blueflash · 16 Jul 2018

Risteard said:
A dimmer in the roof space? Seriously?

For those romantic ball cock issues !

Dave

EFLImpudence · 16 Jul 2018

MoonMan2 said:
Amazing what you find when the place suddenly becomes illuminated - any takers?

Can I have the gate valve please?

ban-all-sheds · 16 Jul 2018

Given that this appears to be a trussed roof, why do you want a light up there?

JohnW2 · 16 Jul 2018

well, there's at least some plumbing up there, which could need maintenance - not so easy in the dark or when holding a torch in one hand.

winston1 · 16 Jul 2018

Risteard said:
A dimmer in the roof space? Seriously?

I had that thought as well, but last time I commented on dimmers in unsuitable places I had a load of insults from "we all know who".

aptsys · 17 Jul 2018

Amazing. That has to be a first.

ban-all-sheds · 17 Jul 2018

winston1 said:
I had that thought as well, but last time I commented on dimmers in unsuitable places I had a load of insults from "we all know who".

I know I've asked you to justify comments like that, to show what sense and reason and logic there is behind them, but I've not seen anybody insult you.

diynot

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Loft light; confusion with wiring style

Blueflash

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