Loft lighting question

[perlmonkey]

Hi, I'm sorry if this topic has been raised a million times but I have a query about installing some lighting in my loft which I have boarded out for storage..

I've checked other threads and the general advice on installing lighting which suggests going off the lighting circuit. However for various reasons, I do not want to mess with the lighting circuit and would much rather run some mains flex off a mains socket in a cupboard below into the loft and wire my light sockets and switches into that.

Does that sound ok or can anyone see any reason why I shouldn't do that?

I will be using standard angled light sockets, with energy saving bulbs, and standard light switches.. just two lights should do it I think..

 

[bernardgreen]

It is a good idea to NOT use the upstairs lighting circuit for loft lights when an alternative is possible. [1] you can use the loft light when it is necessary to work on the wiring of the upstairs lighting circuit. [2] there is likely to be light on at least one side of the loft hatch if something you do in the loft takes out the lighting circuit and trips the MCB (like crushing a lighting cable when storing things in the loft ).

If the socket in the cupboard is not used for anything else then you could replace it with an fused switched outlet and have lights and power ( 13 amp max ) in the loft using fixed surface wiring. Either way put the cable in conduit in the cupboard to protect it from coat hangers and other hazards stored in cupboards.

 

[perlmonkey]

It is a good idea to NOT use the upstairs lighting circuit for loft lights when an alternative is possible. [1] you can use the loft light when it is necessary to work on the wiring of the upstairs lighting circuit. [2] there is likely to be light on at least one side of the loft hatch if something you do in the loft takes out the lighting circuit and trips the MCB (like crushing a lighting cable when storing things in the loft ).

If the socket in the cupboard is not used for anything else then you could replace it with an fused switched outlet and have lights and power ( 13 amp max ) in the loft using fixed surface wiring. Either way put the cable in conduit in the cupboard to protect it from coat hangers and other hazards stored in cupboards.

Hi Bernard, thanks for the reply and info..I will do it exactly as you suggest, I appreciate you taking the time to reply. Many thanks, Paul

 

[bernardgreen]

No problem, and thanks for the appreciation.