LED Strip Lights - wiring to lighting circuit - Update

[JohnW2]

As I wrote....

Maybe it's just me, but I don't really like the concept of any electronic device being hard-wired directly into a final circuit (of any sort), particularly if the device does not have a switch on the input.

Of course, that situation rarely arises (other than in some lighting circuits), since it's very unusual for any electronic device not to have an on/off switch (or, at least, power supplied to it through a connector that can be unplugged).

For example, if (very unlikely), I had a bench PSU which had no on/off switch and simply had a 'mains lead' appearing out of it, I would not dream of hard-wiring that to any supply circuit directly (or via just an unswitched FCU, if fusing-down was required). I would normally put a plug on the supply cable but, if (can't really think why, for such an item!) there were some reason for not doing that, I would certainly feed it via a switch (or, if fusing down was needed, a switched FCU).

Kind Regards, John

 

[SwitchTheElectricsOff]

Hi Sheds

I'm finding the different opinions interesting, why is Winston's advice 'wrong/inaccurate' so I can learn? I ask, as you can ask 100 people a question and get 100 answers, I like to understand the correct way, and maybe a less correct method way so I can understand?

I can understand the logic if FCU's not needed on lighting as it's a low amps, but then I wouldn't like a lighting box like what I bought hard wired into the system without knowing I can isolate/switch off quickly, even though none of the other lights are isolated

pointless squabbling removed

 

[JohnW2]

I'm finding the different opinions interesting, why is Winston's advice 'wrong/inaccurate' so I can learn? I ask, as you can ask 100 people a question and get 100 answers, I like to understand the correct way, and maybe a less correct method way so I can understand?

Well, in this case you'd probably get much the same answer (or choice of answers) in 99 cases, and then winston's answer

He says that there is no point in adding a 3A fuse to a 6A circuit, and he's right. However, as I said, if one wants a 'means of isolation' (and there is no regulatory requirement for that), an FCU can sometimes be cheaper than a switch! The issue that he's more passionate about is that (despite it being something explicitly permitted by regulations), one should not connect a 13A socket to a 6A lighting circuit, since he believes that someone will eventually plug in a large load like a vacuum cleaner, tripping the lighting circuit and plunging them into darkness (with a possibly fatal outcome). It is for individuals to decide how likely (and how dangerous, even if it happened) such a scenario actually is.

... but then I wouldn't like a lighting box like what I bought hard wired into the system without knowing I can isolate/switch off quickly, even though none of the other lights are isolated

That's very similar to what I just wrote about my feelings - e.g. in relation to a bench PSU.

Kind Regards, John

 

[SwitchTheElectricsOff]

Ahh ok!

I can totally understand that then, and I'm sure people would too being absent minded, I know my father in law would, knowing him, he's go out of his way to change the fuse to a 13a, blow the lot, then complain it isn't how it used to be in the olden days (thankfully not!)

Although it does highlight the need to get a spark in to check all the circuits, sockets so on to ensure things are what they are supposed to be

Well, in this case you'd probably get much the same answer (or choice of answers) in 99 cases, and then winston's answer

He says that there is no point in adding a 3A fuse to a 6A circuit, and he's right. However, as I said, if one wants a 'means of isolation' (and there is no regulatory requirement for that), an FCU can sometimes be cheaper than a switch! The issue that he's more passionate about is that (despite it being something explicitly permitted by regulations), one should not connect a 13A socket to a 6A lighting circuit, since he believes that someone will eventually plug in a large load like a vacuum cleaner, tripping the lighting circuit and plunging them into darkness (with a possibly fatal outcome). It is for individuals to decide how likely (and how dangerous, even if it happened) such a scenario actually is.
That's very similar to what I just wrote about my feelings - e.g. in relation to a bench PSU.

Kind Regards, John

 

[JohnW2]

... I know my father in law would, knowing him, he's go out of his way to change the fuse to a 13a, blow the lot, then complain it isn't how it used to be in the olden days (thankfully not!)

Indeed. Most of us know and/or are related to people like that, but there is (at least in my opinion) a limit to how far one can or should go in electrical design in attempts to cater for all the idiotic things that could be done in the future. Ultimately, the only thing which is foolproof as far as those people (fools!) are concerned is to disconnect the electricity supply from the house.

Although it does highlight the need to get a spark in to check all the circuits, sockets so on to ensure things are what they are supposed to be

That's always advisable. However, in relation to the the matter under discussion, you've already been told that installing a 13A socket on a 6A lighting circuit is fully compliant with regulations. It is therefore really down to your personal opinion as to how likely it is that (given where the socket would be, and assuming you labelled it appropriately) someone will one day plug something like a vacuum cleaner into it (killing the lights) and, even if that did happen, how likely it would be that anyone would come to any harm as a result (the electrical installation would not be harmed - that's what fuses and breakers are for!).

Kind Regards, John

 

[bernardgreen]

How about one of these lockable covers,

https://www.insight-security.com/socket-pro-safety-cover-locking-lid-for-double-13a-socket

Or a simple retaining strap that prevents the plug from being removed and is held in place by the front plate securing screws. ( if they are still being sold )

 

[JohnW2]

How about one of these lockable covers, ...

Indeed - but no good when (as is very commonly the case) what needs to be plugged in is a wallwart. However ....

Or a simple retaining strap that prevents the plug from being removed and is held in place by the front plate securing screws. ( if they are still being sold )

... as I've illustrated before, this is what I often do - with cable ties secured to the front-plate screws using solder tags ...

Anyone who cuts those cable ties and plugs in a vacuum cleaner deserves anything/everything that results!

Kind Regards, John