what circuit do outside lights go on?

[curium]

If I want to add a motion detector and light to the rear exterior of my house are there any special requirements for the way it is wired to the mains.

Can I simply nip into the loft and find a light power cable and 'T' from it? (not sure where the switch would go)

Just want some clarification.

Cheers!

 

[Steve]

Spur from the ring main.

Unless you're in Scotland this work is notifiable to your local building control. And you cant fit anything over 300w.

 

[industryspark]

Spur from the ringmain would be how i would do it, can then use the fcu as a switch aswell. Coming off the lightning circuit runs the risk of overloading it if your fitting a few floodlights.

steve wrote

And you cant fit anything over 300w

?

 

[ColJack]

new rules, nothing over 300W in domestic.. something about light polution into neighbours gardens and windows etc..

 

[industryspark]

Thanks Coljack

When did that come in and by whom?

Must pay more attention to the domestic scene

Must say i cant see it making a difference, whilst they still sell them they'l get put up!

Oh, and by the way, didnt manage to get any photo's of the chopped cables over the steel beam-forgot my camera on the saturday and they wouldnt leave the chipboards up till monday so i could get one!

sorry to disapoint, i know how the forum loves pictures!

 

[mattylad]

Yes I'd be keen to know where this rule is written?

A rule is of no use whatsoever if the people it applies to do not know it exists.

 

[ColJack]

the approved document of Part L (L1B) of the building regulations actually say that it sould be limited to 150W and be controlled so it's not on all the time.. so PIR and / or dusk till dawn sensors..