Lighting for Loft

[stevec59]

Hi, I guess my question has been asked a few times, I did a search and didn't see any recent posts, so here goes.

I want to have some lighting in the loft, it's just used for storage, nothing else, OK I will probably need to get a electrician to do it (Part P thing I guess), although I could do the work myself and get it checked? Or not worth the agro, not sure how much it would cost to get it checked?

Any way was wondring if fluorescent tube's (4 ft or 5ft?)were still the way to go, or a few standard Light fittings with low energy bulbs?

Thanks in Advance

Steve

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

There is no law saying you can't do it yourself, it's classified as non-notifiable, the work may involve part p of building regulations but you just comply to that, with regards as safety and structure of the building.
Flu tubes are ideal for lofts, and it should be easy enough to take a feed from the upstairs lighting circuit. Which I assume is routed in the ceiling void of your loft space, if you are going to use it as a storage space, consider the routing of the cable/existing cables to prevent from damage.
It would come under minor works as an addition/extension to an existing circuit, which means a "minor works certificate" should be issued. This does involve some inspection and testing of the circuit. Which will be hard to do if you do not have the correct and calibrated equipment to hand.
But to be totally honest, this rarely happens in the world of DIY.
But will prove to you that this addition is safe and functioning as it should.

 

[Diyisfun]

Flu, tubes are slow to strike when cold.
I think 2 gls bulbs are better & immediate to light.
Cheaper to buy & replace, also as the lights wont be on for long running cost is not important.

 

[stevec59]

Thanks guys, in my old house I had wired in alight that I could walk about with, that worked OK, but I think some properly fitted lights would be better, I did drop the walk about light a few times, and although it was enclosed, it still blew the bulb, so you couldn't see.

Still a bit torn between tubes and normal low energy bulb.

Homebase have a 20% sale this weekend, so if I go for tubes, would be good to get them this weekend (tube fittings are @ £13 \ £14, 20% isn't a great saving but all helps..If I go for bulb fittings will probably get them elsewhere than DIT store, probably a lot cheaper.

Steve

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

It's personal choice Steve, sure the tubes take a little time to start up but it's not a mind blowing i'll sit down and read the paper time, it's a few seconds and they are like all lighting becoming more and more efficient.
But the length of time you will be having your loft lighting on is not going to break the bank regarding energy cost one way or the other.
Maybe there will be a cost cutting in the purchase of the fittings. ie tubes at £14 compared to a batten lampholder at £2 or £3.
But I have always found the tubes throw a more even spread of light out and last longer. And also if fitted correctly, will not protrude from the ceiling/roof as much as your lampholder will, sometimes in loft spaces that is an issue.
But at the end of the day you a looking for some functional lighting, so the choice really is yours, you are not up there reading or chilling out, so the light luminance wont be such a big problem, providing you can see what your doing. But installing a secondary light is a very good idea, because if and when one of the tubes or lamps does blow, you have light from the second fitting, which will not but you in the dark and you can see with out the aid of torch or inspection lamp to change the blown tube/lamp for new.

 

[stevec59]

Thanks for that. Maybe I will go for a Floresent tube and a 'Walk about light', like I used to have.

Steve