Hello, Can someone tell me what is the best way to run wiring to the outside of my house for a sensor light? I really don't want to rip up floorboards so I was thinking is it possible to somehow run power from a socket in my bedroom? (Do I create a spur running wires to a FCU and then from the FCU to the outside wall for the light? - If so what type of wire?) I already have a hole drilled from my bedroom to the outside wall for an aerial cable. I want to use this also for the wiring so I don't have any more holes drilled in the wall! I would appreciate any helpful advice as I would love to do this myself and save £140 which I was quoted!! Thanks.
How do I install a Sensor light outside?
- Thread starter jon3110
- Start date
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The good news is I think you can do this work yourself without involving building control, and you sound reasonably competent.
You're on the right track - you need an FCU. However, many people would take issue with running mains alongside signal wiring.
Use 2.5mm² cable to supply the FCU from a socket on the ring main, and 1.0mm² 3 core black flex to supply the floodlight. Use black flex as it weathers better, and will be easier to wire into the outside light.
If you have a long drillbit, make another hole. It should be possible to take the flex through from behind the FCU so it cant be seen from inside.
You're on the right track - you need an FCU. However, many people would take issue with running mains alongside signal wiring.
Use 2.5mm² cable to supply the FCU from a socket on the ring main, and 1.0mm² 3 core black flex to supply the floodlight. Use black flex as it weathers better, and will be easier to wire into the outside light.
If you have a long drillbit, make another hole. It should be possible to take the flex through from behind the FCU so it cant be seen from inside.
Thanks for that. Should I get a switched FCU or does it not really matter? It is a 500W sensor Floodlight so what fuse should I put in the FCU? 3amp or 5amp or more? And should I run the wiring on the outside wall through conduit? Thanks.
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Needs to be a switched spur - what do you do when you want to change the bulb? Switched and unswitched FCU's are about the same price anyway.
5 Amp fuse will be fine.
I personally wouldn't use conduit, just bear in mind that cables do not last forever outside.
5 Amp fuse will be fine.
I personally wouldn't use conduit, just bear in mind that cables do not last forever outside.
Not necessarily - it might already be a non-compliant spur with more than one socket...
De-Energise the circuit in question, unplug everything, remove the socket you intend to spur of and check for continuity between each of the conductors. L-L, N-N, E-E. If you have continuity, your cooking on gas, if not, then things could get complicated. If you have continuity on some but not others, you have a real problem.
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