Outside Floodlight Replacement

[SteveCav]

Hi,

I am about to replace 2 * 500W flood lights. However, I struggled to find 500W so am stuck with 400W! On opening the box, the instructions request wiring in 1mm cable as opposed 2.5mm, which currently exists. I really do not wish to strip out the 2.5mm and replace with 1mm. E floodlights are under the eaves and I reckon I could force the 2.5mm through the grommet. If that is not possible then my only option is to either replace all the wiring back to the fuseboard in garage or leave the 2.5mm in upto a local JB and then wire from there to the lights in 1mm. Thoughts on the best way to proceed anyone?

Did not really fancy having different size cables and as I am at home I do not have a copy of the regs to hand.

 

[Taylortwocities]

I'm suprised that you could even find 400watt ones now! Let alone the cost of running them, I thought they had been banned.
http://www.britastro.org/dark-skies/cfds_advice.php?topic=security

I suggest that you get LED equivalents 30watt or so should do you, unless you are lighting up Wembley stadium.

You can leave the 2.5mm in place if
1. You can actually get the conductor in the terminal block (good luck)
2. You can get the cable through the grommet to maintain the IP rating

If you reduce tha cable size to 1mm, you need to make sure that the fuse for the circuit is suitable for a lighting circuit (usually no more than 5 or 6 amp. )

 

[Diyisfun]

As said, change to LED's

 

[Steve]

LEDs. I havent got a single filament in my house. Everything is LED.

 

[SteveCav]

I already have 2 of the 400w lamps and electricity cost is irrelevant to me. I simply want the garden instantly lit up like a football pitch so i can find the new puppy in the middle of the night! So i should try and get the 2.5mm n the terminal block then?

 

[SteveCav]

Forgot to add that the fuse (6 amp i think) only powers 2 500w lights so that is just over 4 amps which should be fine. If i have to change the 2.5mm cable, is it better to change it all back to the fuse or just to the JB?

 

[333rocky333]

as TTC said if the cable goes in the light ok, then reuse it, if the j/b is nearer to the light and is Ip rated if exposed outside, then you could derate the cable just from there.
Is there no switch then, just a permanent supply from the 6a fuse, I think thats acceptable, though id prefer some sort of switch for maintenance etc.

Ideally no j/b is always best so from the 6 amp fuse direct into light is an option.
Personally id spend a bit of time getting the 2.5 in the light and leave be

 

[SteveCav]

as TTC said if the cable goes in the light ok, then reuse it, if the j/b is nearer to the light and is Ip rated if exposed outside, then you could derate the cable just from there.
Is there no switch then, just a permanent supply from the 6a fuse, I think thats acceptable, though id prefer some sort of switch for maintenance etc.

Ideally no j/b is always best so from the 6 amp fuse direct into light is an option.
Personally id spend a bit of time getting the 2.5 in the light and leave be

6A fuse through switch to JB inside garage then splits to feed 2 lamps. Think I will try and fit 2.5 in lamp if possible.

 

[ericmark]

Over 150W it requires planning permission, that has been the case for a long time, however it is watts not lumen that the law states so using a metal halide 70W flood lamp is allowed even though it gives out more light than a 500W quartz lamp.

Personally my wife bought a 100W quartz PIR operated lamp, I replaced the tube for a 5W LED and the light is ample for my needs.

It does not matter breaking the law, until one is caught, so disregard to what is allowed inside the home is unlikely to be caught, but lights outside the home may as well have a label on them saying here I am, I don't care about the law. I have had council officials knocking my door first about a tree overhanging pavement, and then about cutting down the tree without permission, the latter I pointed out it was them who told me to get rid of it. So it seems the council does patrol from time to time.

As for cable size I would use a JB and fill it with petroleum jelly to stop water ingress.

 

[SteveCav]

I spoke to the council regarding the replacement of the 2 lamps and they could not care less! Surprised, yes but happy. There has been 500w flood lights there since 1997 so not overly bothered by the council! I will get some petrolium jelly though

 

[Diyisfun]

I already have 2 of the 400w lamps and electricity cost is irrelevant to me. I simply want the garden instantly lit up like a football pitch so i can find the new puppy in the middle of the night! So i should try and get the 2.5mm n the terminal block then?

Put an led collar on the puppy.
I had black lab puppy, even put a bell on her collar.

 

[SteveCav]

Put an led collar on the puppy.
I had black lab puppy, even put a bell on her collar.

The puppy in question is a black lab! I need to know if he has done anything that i need to pick up, if that makes sense as there is another dog in the house and the last thing i want is one of them stepping in anything and coming back in the house.

 

[bernardgreen]

I spoke to the council regarding the replacement of the 2 lamps and they could not care less!

As long as you spoke to the right person in the council. about 18 months ago a friend's neighbour got an enforcement notice from the council to remove or reduce his lights. Thre or four others got the same.

 

[SteveCav]

As long as you spoke to the right person in the council. about 18 months ago a friend's neighbour got an enforcement notice from the council to remove or reduce his lights. Thre or four others got the same.

Well i rang them, explained the situation and they put me through to the appropriate department, although i was surprised at their lack of knowledge. If the lights were existing from 1997 surely they can be replaced when they fail

 

[SteveCav]

Quick update.

Managed to get the 2.5mm cable through the gland and terminated ok, so job done. Just need to set them up correctly tonight.