Downlights

[kinhell]

If I put 10 240v 7w cfl down lights in a new kitchen extension, do I need to split the power to each of them or connect one to the other in parallel. I'm just worried about any loss to the ones towards the end.

 

[ColJack]

lights are all wired in parallel.. ( your wording however leads me to believe that you don't quite understand the difference between parallel and series... )

the volt drop will be negligable unless it's a particularly large kitchen?

 

[kinhell]

Thanks for you reply. I'll be putting in either 10 or 12 lights in a 25ft x 14ft kitchen.
How far apart do people put 240v 9w cfl down lights? Not really sure how far apart will give adequate light. Any advice would be appreciated.

I've saw some push fit connectors in the loft at our old house. The lighting radial connected to the connector (and then continued to the next connector at the next light) and then a single twin cable came from the connector to the downlight. I think it was done so that the downlight can be pulled down quite a way if needed to and disconnected if it needed replacing etc. Does anyone know what these connectors are called and where I can get some from?

 

[FingRinal]

This work is notifiable under Part P.

 

[Dartlec]

I've saw some push fit connectors in the loft at our old house. The lighting radial connected to the connector (and then continued to the next connector at the next light) and then a single twin cable came from the connector to the downlight. I think it was done so that the downlight can be pulled down quite a way if needed to and disconnected if it needed replacing etc. Does anyone know what these connectors are called and where I can get some from?

Can't say I'm aware of them. If they truly were 'push fit' they may well not be compliant anyway, unless they were a once only push fit. In which case there are some 'push fit choc block' type connectors (can't find a link at the moment) but they would not be compliant unless enclosed anyway.

I have recently tried out a sample of the new downlighter junction box from Hager and I have to say it seems a very nice bit of kit.

FingRinal is right about notification, but since you say its a new Kitchen extension I am guessing the LABC are already involved?

 

[Dartlec]

These may do what you want - just ran across them while trying to find the other ones I mentioned.

I've not tried these so no idea what they are like, but I might well give them a punt since I have 50+ downlighters to change soon.

edit: they claim to be for transformers so low voltage, though they may or may not be suitable for mains voltage - The Aurora website isn't particularly helpful on the topic. (Yes I can't sleep and am that bored)

 

[kinhell]

Yes its a new extension so building control are checking everything.

I've found the following and is what I meant. Would these be suitable for downlights?

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Lighting_Menu_Index/Junction_Boxes/index.html

Click Flow - 16 Amp Push-in Connector

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I have recently tried out a sample of the new downlighter junction box from Hager and I have to say it seems a very nice bit of kit.

That's a neat idea...

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Yes its a new extension so building control are checking everything.

But what did you say on your plans submission about how you proposed to comply with Part P?

If they don't know that they have to test and inspect, and when the job is all finished they ask about the electrical certification, it'll be too late to spring it on them then....

 

[ricicle]

This work is notifiable under Part P.

If the OP is in England or Wales

 

[kinhell]

I'm running all the cables etc and the sparky will connect and certify once hes back from his 6 weeks travelling around asia and australia.