Advice on changing a security light

[TanDiy]

Hi, I wonder if I could get a little advice please. I have an external 500w security light on the wall of my house. The supply cable is 2.5mm white twin and earth. There is about 8 inches of cable outside and this then runs through the garage wall and directly in to the consumer unit. This is a dedicated outside light circuit with 6a mcb and rcd cross the whole unit. There are a further two external lights also connected to the same circuit.

The light has gone wrong and I have purchased a new 120w model. My question relates to the cable. The manual with the light appears to suggest it should be connected using a normal flex type cable and that it can even be plugged in to a normal wall socket. My existing cable would appear to be a little over the top. I am wondering whether I can use a flex type cable and run this straight back to the consumer unit? The total cable length is around 10 feet.

UPDATE: I have some grey 1.5mm twin and earth cable left from when the other lights were installed. I guess it would be ok to use this with the short length of around 8 inches external.

Many thanks for your help.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Yes, but why are you bothering.

T&E isn't supposed to be used outside but, as it is already there, it will last for years.

 

[TanDiy]

Hi, I am only looking to change it as the cable conductors are very thick and the inside of the new light is much smaller with very small connectors - just worried that the cable appears too thick and might break something trying to bend it in the connection box, etc.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Ok. Fair enough.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Twin and Earth is not designed to be installed externally in an exposed method. If you are going to change the cable I would suggest you did use flex that is designed for the environmental conditions or enclose the T&E in conduit.
If the joint in the garage is left accessible, you could just junction box from internal 2.5 and take flex from that point to outside light.

 

[TanDiy]

Many thanks for all the info. Called local electrician to have a look at this and some other things. He just called on way home and he has connected the new light to the existing twin and earth. There is now only 6 inches of exposed cable buf I will look at getting this put inside trunking if that is the rules. Thanks again.

 

[deadshort]

It's fine you're worring over nowt.

DS

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

There is now only 6 inches of exposed cable buf I will look at getting this put inside trunking if that is the rules. Thanks again.

As previous post, T&E is not designed for exposed external use. I have come across occasion when it has been installed outside and been there for many years, without looking distressed by solar or frost. But I have come across installation where it has become brittle and decaying!

It would really depend on the quality of the cable and the exposure it is open to. Prevention is always the best approach!

 

[deadshort]

Do durex make cable ?

DS

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Do durex make cable ?

Why do want some to use as a sex toy?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

You so do not want to know what he does with jubilee clips....