Soffit lights

[skybluescooby]

I want to fit downlighters to my external soffit, mainly above the entrance door and above the garage, probably 5 in total.
Are these a specialist item or can i use bathroom rated downlighters and can i wire them into a pir as to save on energy ??
I saw a box at the local shed but it only had 3 in, Could i buy 2 boxes and hust use 5 or would this overload the transformer ??

 

[philrosenberg]

Not sure about lights, but what age is your house?

Soffits were often made of asbestos when it was still in use so bear it in mind.

 

[breezer]

I have seen done as you suggest, the idea being the sofit is shetered from the elements, how ever you cant run 5 from a transformer desinged for 3.

you can buy a bigger transformer for 5.

oh and yes you cn operate them from a mains operated pir

 

[skybluescooby]

So looks like 3 will be the best option, or look for a bigger set,
Is there a special type i need to purchase or will the normal shower type suffice.
House is 10 yr old with wooden soffit boards.

 

[bathjobby]

Lights for inside the shower cubicle (Zone 1) need to be at least IP44 rated, see here for explanation http://www.protectingpeople.co.uk/fire_tech/ip_explained.htm.
So providing your soffit location is not going to be subjected to harsher conditions than you would expect in Zone1, then they will be ok. Watch out though, most downlighters in the sheds are Zone3 only. Scr*wf*x have a range or better still use the adverts here to find a supplier, after all its these guys paying for this site !