Garden light wiring

[Broondog]

Hi,

I'm looking to install 3 low level IP rated lights on a timber retaining wall structure to light the pavement.

Can someone help clarify the following;

1. Suitable IP rating for lamp unit
2. Whether lamps are wired daisy chain or all back to junction box
3. Whether cable needs put into special conduit
4. Type and size of cable for indicative 40W lamps spaced 1m apart wiht total cable length of 10m to main socket
5. Protection required on circuit (RCD etc)
6. Size of cable (mm2) and any special protection for outdoor element.

Thanks, GB

 

[stem]

You don't really give enough information and there are too many variables / unknowns in your post for anyone to give you an answer at the moment.

I would suggest that you have a look around and choose some lights that you like and then post back here with their details (preferably before you buy them). They will be clearly identified if they are suitable for outside use.

Extra low voltage lamps (12v) are a good choice for a DIYer. A nice safe voltage and they avoid the need for heavy duty armoured cable. The power supply will normally need to be located indoors though.

Because you are in Scotland 'Part P' won't apply, but you still need a safe installation. Once you have selected the lights give more details of where you plan to install them and run the cables. (Sketches and photos are helpful). That will allow folks to advise you.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

1. Suitable IP rating for lamp unit

At least IPx4, but only you know what external influences will apply.

2. Whether lamps are wired daisy chain or all back to junction box

Either - only you know where they and the supply cable are in relation to each other.

3. Whether cable needs put into special conduit

Depends on what sort of cable you use, and where you run it.

4. Type and size of cable for indicative 40W lamps spaced 1m apart wiht total cable length of 10m to main socket

• http://web.archive.org/web/20080213151445/http://www.kevinboone.com/electricity.html
  
  
• http://web.archive.org/web/20080213151445/http://www.kevinboone.com/domesticinstallations.html
  
  
• http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Book/6.1.1.htm
  
  
• //www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:mcbtocable
  
  
• http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Book/4.3.1.htm
  
  
• http://web.archive.org/web/20080213151445/http://www.kevinboone.com/cableselection_web.pdf
  
  
• http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Book/5.3.1.htm
  
  
• http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Book/4.3.11.htm
  
  
• http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Technical/Charts/VoltageDrop.html
  
  
• http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Book/8.1.1.htm[/list]
  

  5. Protection required on circuit (RCD etc)

  Probably a good idea. Probably required if the cables are concealed.
  
  
  

  6. Size of cable (mm2) and any special protection for outdoor element.

  Size is covered above.
  
  http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Book/7.14.1.htm
  
  Basically you need to spend some time learning how to do things properly, and what all the aspects of design and installation techniques are that you need to consider.
  
  Asking questions here can be a useful part of a learning process, but they are not a substitute for proper structured studying. The key term there is "learning process" - you cannot learn all the things you need to know just by asking questions here. It isn't structured enough - it won't provide you with a way to progress where each step builds on what you learned before.
  
  The problem with only asking questions is that you'll only ask about the things you realise you don't know. What if you miss something because you simply have no idea it even exists, and just don't realise you don't know it?
  
  There's a useful reading list here: //www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:books
  
  and from the POV of starting to learn about the regulations you can get stuck into this right away - it won't give you design ideas, and unfortunately it doesn't refer to the current edition of the Wiring Regulations, but it's free, and will still give you a good grounding which you can augment with more up to date publications.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Extra low voltage lamps (12v) are a good choice for a DIYer. A nice safe voltage and they avoid the need for heavy duty armoured cable. The power supply will normally need to be located indoors though.

Bad advice - 10A over 10m will need 10mm² cable, and the chances of either the supply or the lights being able to accommodate that size are about zero.