LV downlights and Part P

[mark3hens]

Looking at Part P it seems that installing LV downlights is notifiable work unless it is a CE marked pre-assembled fitting. Not exactly difficult to fit but I want to conform with the regs.

Would the type of LV fitting that has the transformer pre-wired to the lampholder and also to a 20A JB be OK to avoid this requirement? I am thinking of the type in current Screwfix catalogue (25406-88).

 

[andyc2000]

I reckon it conforms, I think those are one light per transformer though. Got one from B&Q that had five lamps to one transformer which meant I could connect it the the existing fitting in the bathroom and (I think) not be notifiable.

 

[mark3hens]

I'm still not sure. The CE marking seems to refer to those pre-assembled bars that have a transformer at one end and say three LV spots on the track, the surface mounted type.

Can't really see what the issue is with the LV's. Drill a hole, pop in the fitting and wire it up. Easy. Safer still, use a fire rated downlighter - still the same wiring to do.

I've seen LV's covered over with insulation on the back and that was done by a so called professional who could self cert. Mate's house nearly burnt down.

 

[Dippy]

Yes it should apply (on the assumption that SF only sell CE-approved kit) because it is pre-wired. The point is that to be non-notifiable, you must not have to do any wiring connection yourself exept to the existing radial or ring point in the kitchen or special location.

 

[mark3hens]

So assuming this pre-wired stuff from SF conforms, then there is no issue with connecting the transformer to the JB that is already in the loft for the wall lights in the hall?

 

[mark3hens]

Dippy,

If I use GU10's does that get round the Part P requirement, they are mains, not LV.

 

[Dippy]

Firstly, if you are going to talk about regs or part P, then you should probably get your terminology right. Mains is LV. The halogens you refer to (e.g. MR16 fitting) are extra low voltage (ELV).

Secondly the requirement for notification varies according to what you are planning to do and where you will be doing it. Can you explain further?

 

[garrymum]

Interesting thread.

Is installing 5 or so low voltage downlights in an en-suite notifiable?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

SCHEDULE 2B - DESCRIPTIONS OF WORK WHERE NO BUILDING NOTICE OR DEPOSIT OF FULL PLANS REQUIRED

1. Work consisting of—
(a) replacing any fixed electrical equipment which does not include the provision of—
(i) any new fixed cabling; or
(ii) a consumer unit;
(b) replacing a damaged cable for a single circuit only;
(c) re-fixing or replacing enclosures of existing installation components, where the circuit protective measures are unaffected;
(d) providing mechanical protection to an existing fixed installation, where the circuit protective measures and current carrying capacity of conductors are unaffected by the increased thermal insulation.
(e) installing or upgrading main or supplementary equipotential bonding;
(f) in heating or cooling systems—
(i) replacing control devices that utilise existing fixed control wiring or pneumatic pipes;
(ii) replacing a distribution system output device;
(iii) providing a valve or a pump;
(iv) providing a damper or a fan;
(g) in hot water service systems, providing a valve or a pump;
(h) replacing an external door (where the door together with its frame has not more than 50% of its internal face area glazed);
(i) in existing buildings other than dwellings, providing fixed internal lighting where no more than 100m2 of the floor area of the building is to be served by the lighting.

2. Work which—
(a) is not in a kitchen, or a special location,
(b) does not involve work on a special installation, and
(c) consists of—
(i) adding light fittings and switches to an existing circuit; or
(ii) adding socket outlets and fused spurs to an existing ring or radial circuit;

3. Work on—
(a) telephone wiring or extra-low voltage wiring for the purposes of communications, information technology, signalling, control and similar purposes, where the wiring is not in a special location;
(b) equipment associated with the wiring referred to in sub-paragraph (a).
(c) pre-fabricated equipment sets and associated flexible leads with integral plug and socket connections.

4. For the purposes of this Schedule—
“kitchen” means a room or part of a room which contains a sink and food preparation facilities;
“special installation” means an electric floor or ceiling heating system, an outdoor lighting or electric power installation, an electricity generator, or an extra-low voltage lighting system which is not a pre-assembled lighting set bearing the CE marking referred to in regulation 9 of the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994; and
“special location” means a location within the limits of the relevant zones specified for a bath, a shower, a swimming or paddling pool or a hot air sauna in the Wiring Regulations, sixteenth edition, published by the Institution of Electrical Engineers and the British Standards Institution as BS 7671: 2001 and incorporating amendments 1 and 2.

 

[garrymum]

What the hell does than mean?

So, is installing LV downlighters in an en-suite part of part p, or can I do it without getting a certificate?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

What the hell does than mean?

It's a list of work which is not notifiable.

So if you want to do something, and it is not on that list, then it is notifiable.

So, is installing LV downlighters in an en-suite part of part p, or can I do it without getting a certificate?

1) Part P of the Building Regulations applies to all work on low voltage or extra-low voltage fixed electrical cables or fixed electrical equipment located on the consumer's side of the electricity supply meter in dwellings. So it has to be done safely, and if you choose to work to BS7671 in order to ensure safety then you should certify it using Minor Works Certificate.

2) Not all work is notifiable, and Schedule 2B lists that which is not. Item 2 in the schedule only makes adding lights not in a special location non-notifiable.

 

[pompeygit]

So yes an en-suite is a special location with zones and is notifiable

 

[garrymum]

So yes an en-suite is a special location with zones and is notifiable

Thank you

 

[mark3hens]

So back to the original question. Special installations include ELV so if I buy a prewired MR16 fitting that is already connected to the transformer and a JB does that mean it is exempt because the ELV side is being sold to me as "tested" already? I am not touching the connections on the ELV side.