How many light bulbs

[DonDonson]

Hi, I'm helping a friend put a lighting display up in his shop where we are hanging loads of pendants that will hang at different lengths but was wondering how many would be advised of off one switch from a 6amp breaker? We are looking to put in about 20 bulbs.
40 or 60watt bulbs?
Is the normal 1.5 cable sufficient?
Should the breaker be unrated?

Any advice will be greatly appreciated

 

[EFLImpudence]

wondering how many would be advised of off one switch from a 6amp breaker? We are looking to put in about 20 bulbs.

230V x 6A = 1380W

40 or 60watt bulbs?

Up to you.

Is the normal 1.5 cable sufficient?

Yes. Way over.

Should the breaker be unrated?

Uprated ?
With 1.5mm² T+E (assuming no derating) 16A mcb would be alright.
230V x 16A = 3,680W.

You should work it out the other way around.
Start with the demand (wattage) and install what is necessary.

You will need RCD protection and comply with display regulations.

 

[ricicle]

You will need RCD protection and comply with display regulations.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Does that not count?

 

[DonDonson]

Hi EFLImpudence, thanks for your help, does this mean that it can be linked in to the original lighting circuit ( as long as it doesn't exceed the wattage) or is it better to create its own circuit from the DB board?

 

[ricicle]

EFLI - I was wondering why you think it needs RCD protection ?

To the OP - As this is presumably a place of work do you think you can comply with the EAWR and will any insurance cover the work ?

 

[EFLImpudence]

EFLI - I was wondering why you think it needs RCD protection ?

I was considering it a public exhibition and as such it would.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

To the OP - As this is presumably a place of work do you think you can comply with the EAWR and will any insurance cover the work ?

And not just insurance regarding the work, but all the insurances that are in place for the environment - Public Liability, Employer's Liability, Building, Contents... Do their Ts'n'Cs say anything about who may do electrical work?

What about the lease/rental agreement, unless your friend owns the shop freehold, which would be unusual?

Basically, Don, unless you are a qualified electrician you would be bonkers to lay a finger on this.

 

[Scoby_Beasley]

How many light bulbs ???

Can't really answer that. But you can have fork handles!

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

You will also need to take in to consideration the current the switch that is operating the lights can handle.
If your thinking of putting 75 lamps@40W on to one switch plate and you have a 16A protective device and the switch is only rated 10A, the switch could become overloaded and burn out.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

How many light bulbs ???

Can't really answer that. But you can have fork handles!

or a 13A rubber plug for the bath!

 

[dhutch]

How many light bulbs ???

Can't really answer that. But you can have fork handles!

or a 13A rubber plug for the bath!

Eggsbox £3.60?

Daniel

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Eggsbox £3.60?

Think I'll stick to playing with my dongle!

 

[dhutch]

Basically, Don, unless you are a qualified electrician you would be bonkers to lay a finger on this.

But to get back on topic, although Im very much for helping out a mate, and see nothing at all wrong with asking on here for advice on what he should expect, etc, you do have to be a bit careful when it comes to things like public liability.

Its proberbly all fine, but if someone does manage to get a shock, which messes there pasemaker and kill them, or it starts a fire, and your names all over it, its not going to be fun.


Daniel

 

[securespark]

Eggsbox £3.60?

Think I'll stick to playing with my dongle!

Not on this forum you won't!

It's a family forum. Take your dongle elsewhere.