External light fed from behind. How to feed from the surface?

[alan333]

Hi,

If fitting an external wall/path light designed such that the cable enters the fitting through a hole in the backplate (ie through the wall) - is there a way to feed it via surface mounted cable instead? I thought of cable (or conduit) ideally above the light (for aesthetics since the light shines downwards), but I assume it would then need a loop of cable feeding from below to prevent water ingress, and the light would also need to be spaced out from the wall to allow cable entry. Any better suggestions?

Thanks

 

[EFLImpudence]

Chase the wall so the cable goes under the light and still enters through the back.

 

[seasickstevie]

Position the fitting over a vertical joint (perp) and remove the mortar, if you'd rather not damage the brick or stone. Then slot the cable in between the brick.

I've sometimes seen a nice looking building with attractive, even historic, brickwork or stonework where there has previously been either a light fitting or similar, and a chunk of the face of the brick or stone has been damaged. If you later decide to remove the fitting, at least the mortar can be patched up, and the masonry is still original.

 

[alan333]

Thanks for the genius replies guys, I wouldn't have thought of cutting a chase.
Am I correct that it would need the cable entering from below to prevent water running down into the fitting?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I'm struggling to think why a cable on the surface is preferable to a concealed one.

 

[alan333]

I'm struggling to think why a cable on the surface is preferable to a concealed one.

Agreed, but what if the other side of the wall is the middle of the lounge wall??

 

[ban-all-sheds]

1) I misunderstood your first post - I thought you already had the light wired with the cable entering from the rear.

2) But to answer the above - the cable chased into the wall, in steel conduit if necessary, and the wall redecorated.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Am I correct that it would need the cable entering from below to prevent water running down into the fitting?

Yes

 

[alan333]

Thanks to all for your help