Outdoor lighting

[DJDUNKY]

I want to install 2 daylight controlled lights on the outside wall of a property.

What is the best way to take a cable through the wall to stop ingress of water etc.

I am planning to take the 2 lights out of the CU on the same 6A MCB but should each light have some sort of protection for itself?

 

[DJDUNKY]

Anyone?

 

[SJRSJR]

I can't vouch for this as a professional but since no one else has answered (and if you're concerned about damp rather than the electrics), the guy who did my damp proof course told me to seal any holes I drilled with epoxy resin or silicone to seal it from moisture ingress.

 

[bernardgreen]

Drill the hole sloping downwards ( outside lower than inside ) and take the cable down from hole even if this means a U turn to a lamp above the hole. ( this prevents water running down the cable into the hole. )

PVC cable is is not suitable for external use unless protected from sunlight by conduit. Conduit through the hole in the wall is a good idea, especialy as some cavity insulation is not compatible with pvc cable.

 

[DJDUNKY]

Thanks for that guys.

Do I need to provide seperate protection for each light or is the 6A MCB enough?

 

[ricicle]

Unless the manufacturers instructions say otherwise, then a 6A is fine for both lights

 

[Taylortwocities]

I know its frustrating waiting for a reply but please remember that most of us work all day.!!

You'll get more attention in the evening so dont get eggy if you post at 9am and nobody has replied by 11am.

TTC

 

[Sam Gangee]

PVC cable is is not suitable for external use unless protected from sunlight by conduit.

Apologies for butting in but surely a good coating of paint will give adequate UV protection? And what about all the satellite and aerial cable that's used outdoors?

I can understand conduit being a good idea for safety but not necessary for UV protection.

My friend returned from a job an hour ago. He'd just been to a "no satellite signal" job. Turned out the house owner had been trimming the ivy and had "trimmed" the dish cable, too! Lucky it wasn't a mains cable!

 

[bernardgreen]

Apologies for butting in but surely a good coating of paint will give adequate UV protection? And what about all the satellite and aerial cable that's used outdoors?

Provided the solvents in the paint do not turn the PVC into dry powder.

There is a grade of PVC that will resist UV for longer than a few years but is is not used in the normal twin and earth cables. It is used on cables meant for outside use such as external satellite and aerial cable and external grade mains cables.

 

[Sam Gangee]

I've had grey T&E hanging on a catenary for 5 years. Hasn't come to any harm yet.

 

[RF Lighting]

UV kills cables. Simple.

PVC T&E approx 2 years old.

Coax approx 10 years old.

I've had grey T&E hanging on a catenary for 5 years. Hasn't come to any harm yet.

I've been driving my car at 100MPH with no seatbelt on and one eye shut while talking on the phone, and I've come to no harm.

Doesn't mean it's safe though.

 

[Steve]

I've been driving my car at 100MPH with no seatbelt on and one eye shut while talking on the phone, and I've come to no harm.

Ah, so thats how you smashed up that merc!