Cable sizing for outdoor spotlight

[Sard]

Hi,

I'd really appreciate some advice on the right type of cable to wire in 6x 35w GU10 spotlights that will be mounted onto a wooden fence. I already have a dedicated garden lighting circuit and will run the connection via a 20A DP switch. Ideally I'd like the thinnest cable possible as I need to feed the cable through some fence battens. Nothing will be at ground level.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Murdochcat]

Why aren’t you using LED units?

 

[Sard]

These will have LED bulbs but I'm not a huge fan of LED Strips

 

[EFLImpudence]

They won't be 35W then.

 

[Sard]

They won't be 35W then.

Yes, sorry that is the rating of the light fitting. I'll probably put 5 or 10w bulbs in them.

 

[ericmark]

6 x 35 watt at 230 volts = 0.913 amp or 913 mA, so a 1 amp fuse is enough, even when considering volt drop 1 mm² would be ample. Not seen any outdoor rated cable under 1 mm² personally would select a round cable, stuffing glands work better with round cable, and black, as black resists UV light better.

The problem here in Wales is Part P regulations require it to be notified, and that costs £100 plus vat, so I would likely look at extra low voltage, so I do not need to notify, or try to claim it was done before 2004.

Not looked at MR16 compatible lights as to their IP rating, in the old days of tungsten I have fitted MR16 in a well, underwater. But getting a fitting to take GU10 and to seal against the elements may not be easy.

 

[Sard]

6 x 35 watt at 230 volts = 0.913 amp or 913 mA, so a 1 amp fuse is enough, even when considering volt drop 1 mm² would be ample. Not seen any outdoor rated cable under 1 mm² personally would select a round cable, stuffing glands work better with round cable, and black, as black resists UV light better.

The problem here in Wales is Part P regulations require it to be notified, and that costs £100 plus vat, so I would likely look at extra low voltage, so I do not need to notify, or try to claim it was done before 2004.

Not looked at MR16 compatible lights as to their IP rating, in the old days of tungsten I have fitted MR16 in a well, underwater. But getting a fitting to take GU10 and to seal against the elements may not be easy.

Based on this, a .75mm2 cable should also do the job right seeing as it's rated for 6amps which is considerably oversized already?

 

[Sureitsoff?]

you could use 0.5mm but i would stick with 0.75 as the outer insulation would be thicker and give more protection

 

[flameport]

Pitacs Weather Resistant Rubber (Pond) Flex Cable (3183P)

If you're installing an outside light or creating a new water feature in your garden, you'll need a heavy-duty cable you can trust. British brand Pitacs make this super-tough, weather-resistant outdoor flex cable, specifically designed for use with garden ponds.It's a good option for outdoor...

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