Outside Lights

[Peadee]

Hello all,

I wonder if any of you can offer me some advice. I have a plug socket close to my kitchen window. I want to put 2 lights on my patio. I believe it's ok to take a spur off the socket for the lights, is this correct? If that is correct do I need to put a fuse between the spur switch and the lights and if so, how many amps? 5?. The lights are from B+Q and they are called "Leon". They both use a low energy. 23W bulb
Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Thanks

Peadee

 

[sparkwright]

You would first need to check that the socket you wish to spur off is suitable to do so.

If it is you could fit an unswitched fused spur unit, then go to a light switch, then to the light.

Or, you can use a switched fused spur unit, then to the light.

Typically, you would use 2.5 mm2 twin and earth cable from the socket to the fused spur unit, then 1.0 or 1.5 mm2 cable thereafter.

You would fit a 3 or 5 amp fuse in the fused spur unit.

Use earth sleeving over any bare earth wires.

As I said earlier, you must ensure your existing wiring at the socket is suitable to add to.

 

[Peadee]

The socket that I am going to spur off is part of a ring main and there are no other spurs, is this ok?

Peadee

 

[Taylortwocities]

The socket that I am going to spur off is part of a ring main and there are no other spurs, is this ok?

Peadee

Is the circuit protected by a 30mA RCD in the consumer's unit?

 

[Peadee]

It has a 32amp RCD

 

[Taylortwocities]

No it has not. It may have a 32amp MCB though!

PLease post pic of your consumer unit.

 

[securespark]

You would fit a 3 or 5 amp fuse in the fused spur unit.

What about 1A, 2A, 7A, 10A or 13A?

 

[Peadee]

Sorry, MCB!

Here's a pic of my consumer unit

View media item 32972
The MCB in question is 3rd from the right

Peadee

 

[1john]

The RCD you have is 100mA, which is too high, it needs to be 30mA.

There is a differrence between a RCD and a MCB.

This work is notifiable, you must inform the LABC before you start the work.

 

[Peadee]

Is there a reason that my RCD is 100Ma. Is it due to the CU being a bit ancient? Maybe I should just get a whole new box fitted. I've replaced 2 of the MCB's on this board already and they ain't cheap as a result of there not being much call for them!!

Peadee

 

[1john]

Because when your installation was constructed, that was all that was required for it to deemed to be safe. Either that or a DIY effeort by someone who doesn't know what they are doing. I suspect you have a TT supply, can you confirm? The MEM breakers are more expensive but they are one of the better brands availableon the market.

Are you aware of Part P ?

 

[Peadee]

No idea, what's a TT supply?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

//www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:earthing-arrangements

I really think you should spend a bit of time learning the basics before you start trying to do....

• //www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics
  
  
• //www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:books
  
  
• http://web.archive.org/web/20080213151445/http://www.kevinboone.com/electricity.html
  
  
• http://web.archive.org/web/20080213151445/http://www.kevinboone.com/domesticinstallations.html
  
  
• http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Book/1.1.htm[/list]I suggest you get stuck into the last link right away - it won't give you design ideas, and unfortunately it doesn't refer to the current edition of the Wiring Regulations, but it's free, and will still give you a good grounding which you can augment with more up to date publications.