New Ceiling lights

[Rusty10]

Hi

After a bit of advice & guidance if possible please?

I need to install 2 pendants light and both will have two switches attached. My first question would be should I connect this to the existing lighting circuit or as I have availability in the current CU to make a new circuit?

Secondly I have ripped old ceiling down which I will replace with plasterboard, is there a best practice of routing cables through joists? I have the option of simply tracing around where wall will meets new ceiling, is this acceptable to save drilling through joists?

Thirdly(!) I am also running cat5 cabling does the same apply to this, must it be in conduit?

Lastly Is there a best height to have switches from the floor, I have read 1200mm?

Cheers for any help!

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

So both lights will have two switches each as a two way function.
It would be best to extended the existing circuit providing the circuit is not already at it's maximum load.
A new circuit from the CU could well mean the need of notification to building controls, if the work is carried out be a person who is not registered on a domestic installers scheme (competent person), this will depend where in the UK you live.
Again depending which room the lights are being fitted could also need notification, bathroom and Kitchens are considered locations where notification is needed.
Links
The law
//www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:part_p

Installation in ceiling voids
//www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:installation_techniques:route
in walls
//www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:installation_techniques:walls

If it is not a new build the switch heights are not regulated, but in new builds the guidance given by approved doc M is between 450 and 1200mm from finished floor level.
I don't believe cat5 must be in conduit, could be a logical method if it can be, ideally it should not be run with the electrical circuits and either run separate or in divided compartment.

 

[Rusty10]

Thanks for a very concise answer

As I understand it then, I can route the cables between the wall and roof as long as it is no more than 150mm from ceiling? I guess with the plasterboard in place it would actually be in the ceiling (if that makes sense?)

Adding a light? Best to install an accesible junction box?

Not a new build, so I will look at 1200mm from floor as best practice.

Cat 5 will be in own conduit alongside lighting cable as mentioned above...?

Thanks again

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

I guess with the plasterboard in place it would actually be in the ceiling (if that makes sense?)

Yes it makes sense but then does not comply, as it is in the ceiling and should then be routed as within the floor/ceiling void

Adding a light? Best to install an accesible junction box?

Best to install a loop in circuit, but if a JB is used it must be accessible

Not a new build, so I will look at 1200mm from floor as best practice.

The choice is yours my friend

Cat 5 will be in own conduit alongside lighting cable as mentioned above...?

That sounds fine, you could find oval conduit is best to use. Just make sure the end connectors will fit through the tubes.

Thanks again

no probs