What could happen if I install and wire a new downlight in the kitchen

[Carlos Perez]

I would like to install an extra downlight in the kitchen, 3 instead of 2; but I have read that it has to be done by an electrician. What could happen if I do it?

 

[nitro23456]

Your consumer unit might become self-aware akin to turning on skynet in the terminator films.

Either that or nothing.

It is however impossible to tell you on a forum which of the above scenarios is most likely.

 

[bernardgreen]

Worst case

https://manceelectrical.com.au/dangers-halogen-downlights/

 

[AndyPRK]

I think in England it is fine.
In Wales I don't think you are meant to work in Kitchens

 

[flameport]

I have read that it has to be done by an electrician.

Not true.

It should comply with BS7671, and if in England or Wales then Part P applies:

which in reality means comply with BS7671, and if in Wales it is probably notifiable work.

However no electrician is required for that or any other electrical work.

 

[Iamchamps]

If you are confident in what you are doing I would say go for it. The fact you are asking here I would suggest you probably are not and maybe should leave to an electrician.

 

[JohnW2]

If you are confident in what you are doing I would say go for it. The fact you are asking here I would suggest you probably are not and maybe should leave to an electrician.

To be fair, as I understand it, what the OP was asking here was what could be the consequences of him undertaking the work if, as he thought might be the case, it were 'illegal' so to do because he was not an electrician.

Your comments are potentially very valid, but I don't think that anything the OP has said has yet given us any clue as to whether he would be competent and confident to actually do the work satisfactorily/safely (electrically speaking).

Kind Regards, John

 

[Iamchamps]

To be fair, as I understand it, what the OP was asking here was what could be the consequences of him undertaking the work if, as he thought might be the case, it were 'illegal' so to do because he was not an electrician.

Your comments are potentially very valid, but I don't think that anything the OP has said has yet given us any clue as to whether he would be competent and confident to actually do the work satisfactorily/safely (electrically speaking).

Kind Regards, John

I agree but the way I see it if you have 2 lights and you could add a third to the correct standard no one would ever know that was added on afterwards so it would not matter if you did it or an electrician. That is what made me say what I did, call it that sixth sense people have.

 

[JohnW2]

I agree but the way I see it if you have 2 lights and you could add a third to the correct standard no one would ever know that was added on afterwards so it would not matter if you did it or an electrician.

Fair enough, but some people get far more worried than others about what they think is, or might be, 'breaking the law' on their part, even if the chances of 'being caught' are essentially zero.

Indeed, as has often been discussed here before, I suppose the answer to the OP's literal question, would be that we are unaware of any instance of anyone ever having been prosecuted for failure to notify electrical work, per se - so, as I say, I suppose that would probably be the answer to the OP's question "What could happen if I do it?", even if it were notifiable work (which it wouldn't be, anyway, if he is in England) !

Kind Regards, John