switches

[vimto]

i have put up outside lights with 4m t&e,can anyone advise me on which switch to ask for. bit stumped.

 

[andy]

4m? of what?

EDIT: what CSA cable? and whats the power rating of the light?

 

[Lectrician]

4m as in meter, or as in 4mm/sq??

more info needed.

 

[vimto]

4m twin & earth sorry about the delay,trying to get the hang of my computer,only had one a couple of weeks.

 

[breezer]

twin and earth should not be used outside, it will rot over time

 

[vimto]

thanks i will have to put up some conduit.

 

[andy]

sayin 4M twin and earth aint much help. where is it connected? whats the CSA?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

i have put up outside lights with 4m t&e,can anyone advise me on which switch to ask for. bit stumped.

How have you wired them?

From where?

Do you know how lighting circuits work? (see here: http://www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=7553 ).

What rating is the light? (Actually, this is probably irrelevant, as even a cheapo light switch will be rated at 5A, which is over 1kW, and I doubt that your light is that powerful).

BTW - CSA is Cross Sectional Area - cable sizes are quoted in that - 1mm² & 1.5mm² are the usual ones for lighting circuits, 2.5mm² the usual ones for ring mains etc. Refers to the sizes of the live and neutral conductors, not the overall size of the cable.

 

[andemz]

Conduit won't help. You will need some appropriate outdoor cable like SWA and this will need to be terminated appropriatly. Think of the elements and the fact that it is electric. wire + Water =

 

[securespark]

Black conduit is fine outside. It protects the cables within from the UV rays.

Why is it not OK in your book?

 

[vimto]

thanks to all who replied,i think i will scrap the idea for now until i have more knowledge on the subject, i did'nt realise there was that much to it.