Cable for Edison bulb ceiling lights

CrazeUK · 8 Jan 2017

Hey Guys.
I am wanting to make something similar to:

The unit will have between 10 and 20 Lights and run of the main Lighting cable on a single switch / dimmer.

The plan is to have each bulb on a nylon sheathed cable / 2 core to give it the antique look.

So as this is my first lighting project:
1. What thickness cables do i need?
2. I plan to put all the lights in Parallel - Correct method?
3. I know with halogens you use a dimmer rated with double the max load wattage. Is this the same with normal bulbs?
4. Are there any safety precautions i need to account for?

Thanks

endecotp · 8 Jan 2017

Metal lampholders need to be earthed. So 3-core cable needed. With electrics, often "Antique look" = "Looks dangerous" !

Robin0577 · 8 Jan 2017

Most places that stock the lampholders will also have the correct cable available, usually 3 core for metal fittings and 2 core for plastic ones. Here for instance... http://www.lampsandlights.co.uk/lighting-flex-and-holders.php

Make sure that lampholders you choose have proper cable grips on them, and that the cable is properly gripped at the top end too. Joins in your wiring must be made inside a proper enclosure, not just loose on top of your board.

deadshort · 8 Jan 2017

Hi, you will get all you require at good prices on she bay.

You'll need a decent sized flat enclosure to put your connectors in !

DS

Tigercubrider · 8 Jan 2017

Some of the Edison type are led and non dimmable so select the lamps with care

333rocky333 · 8 Jan 2017

Tigercubrider said:
Some of the Edison type are led and non dimmable so select the lamps with care

And check the price, 20 lamps alone could well cost £400, led will last longer.

I would use 3core braided flex of different colours, personally, but make sure you get the correct cord grips for the holders.
If you are planning no shades then get plain holders, rather than the threaded ones that are made for shade rings

Gerrydelasel · 8 Jan 2017

One option is to use ordinary flex and cover it in expandable poly sleeving. Looks just like cloth covered wire.

CrazeUK · 25 Aug 2017

Hey Guys.
Sorry went quiet on this thread.
Got busy.

I am on this project again.
So the plan (from advice above):
Cable: 3 Core Braided
Holders: Non screw type (no shades)
Bulb type: Probably LED.
Things to look for:
Cable grips on holders
Cable grips for the top
Joint enclosures

I did have a question: What thickness flex?

CrazeUK · 25 Aug 2017

Are these safe? : http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Edison-Vi...hash=item58e7965b00:m:mFlA0CA51kuIagGbf4dJlnw
They say that have a hard paper inner socket?

I have seen some ceramic socket ones but they are far more expensive.

How would i attach the third core to the outer if it was only designed for 2 core?

stillp · 25 Aug 2017

CrazeUK said:
Are these safe?

Possibly not.

CrazeUK said:
How would i attach the third core to the outer if it was only designed for 2 core?

You couldn't.

flameport · 25 Aug 2017

CrazeUK said:
They say that have a hard paper inner socket?

It has a paper sleeve between the outer contact (threaded part) and the metal body of the lampholder.
I have seen similar on some old light fittings (50+ years old).
Paper is a good electrical insulator, but a piece of paper between a conductor and an exposed metal part doesn't make it class II so an earth connection to the metal body would be required.
Since there is no provision for an earth, the lampholders can't be used in any compliant or safe way.
The fact they are made from aluminium isn't a good sign either.

ban-all-sheds · 25 Aug 2017

Umm....

CrazeUK said:
Holders: Non screw type

CrazeUK said:
Are these safe? : Edison Vintage Lamp Light Base Socket Holder for E27 E26 Screw Bulbs

333rocky333 · 26 Aug 2017

ban-all-sheds said:
Umm....

No EXTERNAL screw thread, Ie ones which are plain as opposed to the ones that you screw on a shade ring to hold a lampshade

Personally i would opt for lampholders to BS en 60238

CrazeUK · 6 Apr 2019

333rocky333 said:
No EXTERNAL screw thread, Ie ones which are plain as opposed to the ones that you screw on a shade ring to hold a lampshade

Personally i would opt for lampholders to BS en 60238

Sorry for such a delayed response. I got distracted with other "projects" - The wood wall etc.

So I am working on this again.

A lot of the Braided cable online is 0.75mm rated at 3Amps. Is this good enough?

Decisions:
1. Lamp holder - I will definitely be going with BS en 60238 as suggested.
2. Cable - Black 3 core braided cable.

ban-all-sheds · 6 Apr 2019

CrazeUK said:
A lot of the Braided cable online is 0.75mm rated at 3Amps. Is this good enough?

https://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/dccircuits/dcp_2.html

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Cable for Edison bulb ceiling lights

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