Bathroom Lighting

[newkidSB]

Hi,

Need some advice, I would like to install some low voltage lights in the bathroom, so I went to the local electrical shop and he asked me:

Mains operated....?? is this PELV

I thought this would be the norm, I know you get a set which is on a transformer too... is this SELV

So please advise which type I should be using (I know that the housing needs a glass covering for the GU10s) and if they need to be fire rated..

Many Thanks

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Hi,

Need some advice, I would like to install some low voltage lights in the bathroom, so I went to the local electrical shop and he asked me:

Mains operated....?? is this PELV

No - it's Low Voltage.

I thought this would be the norm, I know you get a set which is on a transformer too... is this SELV

Yes. Is that what you meant by Low Voltage, or were you using the term correctly, i.e. 50 - 1000V AC or 120 - 1500V DC?

And did he ask you which bathroom zone they would be going in?

So please advise which type I should be using

Neither - recessed lights like that are ******* useless.

(I know that the housing needs a glass covering for the GU10s)

They need to be at least IPx4 rated if they'll be in Zones 1 or 2.

and if they need to be fire rated..

Is the ceiling a barrier between two fire compartments? If so they will need to be fire rated, if not, not.

If there's a loft above them then you will need to build a sealed enclosure around them as you must stop the warm moist air from getting into the loft where it will condense and cause the roof timbers to rot: http://www.nhbcbuilder.co.uk/NHBCpu...ical/StandardsExtra/filedownload,21353,en.pdf .

And you should read this:

http://www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:part-p

as adding these lights will probably be notifiable, and require Building Regulations approval.

 

[sparky1scotland]

I would go for an IP rated 65 down lighter, or the new coolcathode lighting, it operates at 35degree temp and gives of amazing light, the 11w is the latest and requires a driver, not a transformer, expensive to start off with but well worth it !!!!

 

[sparkyspike]

I wouldn't bother with GU10s (also known as mains voltage, low voltage, 230v) in a bathroom. If you want downlights in particular, then 12v ones (SELV, with a transformer) will be better. (PELV is something different, usually used for PC power supplies.) Or try sparky1's lamps.

If you have a small bathroom, then use IP65 rated ones (also called showerlites). If you have a large bathroom then you can use normal downlights outside zones 1 & 2.

Otherwise, read what BAS is on about regarding Part P, and her comments on fire compartments.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Otherwise, read what BAS is on about regarding Part P, and her comments on fire compartments.

I wasn't when I last looked...

 

[sparkyspike]

Sorry.. didn't want to assume..

 

[Taylortwocities]

On the Internet, nobody knows if you are a dog..

I'm off to my basket now...