Outside light query

[GARYF123]

Hi, I presently have one outside light. It is powered from the ring via a spur to a switched fused connection unit then cable to light. I want to fit another light (2 in total - 2 x 300w hi-lo dusk till dawn floodlights) and want to know if it is ok using the existing wiring and either taking the feed for the second light straight from the first (like a daisy chain!) or would it be better to go from the FCU to a junction box and then 2 separate cables to the lights? Also what type/size cable shall i use?

Many thanks in advance,

Gary.

 

[Dartlec]

What fuse is in the SFCU?

nothing wrong with daisy chaining from the first light, assuming you can fit two flexes into the supplied junction point.

Flex should be fine unless there are particular harsh conditions or likelihood of damage in the location. anything of 1.0mm2 or above will be fine if you have a 3A or 5A fuse in the SFCU

Gavin

 

[GARYF123]

Thanks Gavin, one more question!

Can i use 1.0mm flex from FCU (5A fuse) to 1st light (running inside house) then use 1.5mm T/E on outside of wall approx' 2.5m from ground for about 3 metres distance?

Cheers,

Gary.

 

[Dartlec]

Hi Gary,

Standard T/E isn't really suitable for use outside without protection. You could run it in plastic conduit, though it would probably be easier just to use flex.

Gavin

 

[GARYF123]

Hi Gavin,

Is it ok to run flex outside?

Thanks,

Gary.

 

[Dartlec]

Gary,

yes in general flex is fine outside, though you should always take into account the risk of damage - the position you mention doesn't sound a problem really.

There is a product called HiTuf which has some slighter better protection if you want to do a really nice job - it has an aluminium shield round the cores which offers some protection (though not penetration protection really). SWA would be overkill imo.

In fact, there is an argument after all that T&E would not be a breach of the regs, the 16th OSG even says as much though mentions protection from sunlight because of the UV damage. Personally I would go with HiTuf but flex is perfectly adequate.

One thing I didn't ask - do you have rcd protection on the socket circuit the spur is taken from?

There is also the spectre of Part P - although extensions to circuits are not normally notifiable, work in a special location is. Its too late for me to double check the exact wording now, and for such a small job it might seem overkill.

Gavin

 

[davelx]

Hituf - no aluminium sheath but not very flexible unless you warm it up a bit!

Hituf 2.5mm

• davelx
• 24 Sep 2008
• 1

 

[electronicsuk]

Hituf - no aluminium sheath but not very flexible unless you warm it up a bit!

Yup. Nasty, nasty stuff to work with IMO, although it gets the job done. Probably not ideal for a DIYer unless you have a very sharp stanley knife!

 

[Dartlec]

apologies - I meant screentuf which I got from my local supplier a while back - I've found it ideal for outside lighting and not that difficult to terminate.

But for a DIYer flex is a better way to go I think.