Outside cable run.

[bobhob]

Hello, I've been outside the UK for several years. I'm fitting a security light, and cannot take the cable directly into the light through the wall from behind. I need to run about 4 metres of cable horizontally along the outside, at approx 10 ft high, to the light. Anyone know the current regs? Is special cable required? What about height?

I've got a double-pole, fused switch to override. Sufficient?

Thanks,

Bobhob.

 

[Steve]

Ideally, you should use armoured cable (SWA) for most of the run. terminate this into a plastic adaptable box within 150mm of the light, and run a loop of flex or arctic cable between the box and the light. gland all joints appropriately!

However, most people get away with normal flex or twin and earth for the whole run. seen it many many times.

 

[il78]

Or....use some plastic conduit, not a big fan of installing twin & earth outside open to the elements....

 

[bobhob]

Hola, Thanks for replying. I can get it finished now.

Bobhob.

 

[Dellsmp]

P94 OSG table 3A, Flat thermoplastic (pvc) use ii, on exterior surface walls, boundary walls and the like.
Basically you need to assess the likely influences on the cable ie weather, physical damage etc and select a cable accordingly.
A twin & earth cable of the right csa is sufficient to supply a wall mounted lamp.

 

[JohnD]

Crafty, I think I saw that a Part P thing that DIY's are allowed to do external lighting... but not with junction boxes. Does this ring a bell?

 

[Steve]

Crafty, I think I saw that a Part P thing that DIY's are allowed to do external lighting... but not with junction boxes. Does this ring a bell?

why you asking me? i aint the part p expert around here. unfortunately the resident expert has been throwing his weight around in the general discussion area today and has been too busy to visit electrics uk.

only joking ban!

 

[Adam_151]

Think outside lighting and outlets are non-notifiable as long as the cable comes straight through the wall into the back of the fixture, which unfortunatly is not the case here (I stand to be corrected though)

 

[Spark123]

Reading page 9 of the guidance to approved document P it would appear that installing an outside light which is attached to the outside wall of a house is not notifiable providing there are no exposed outdoor connections, however an outdoor socket on an external wall is notifiable. Reading the SI is about as clear as mud on this and is debatable wether or not installing an outside light would now come under the scope of a special installation in this.