Replacing a light fitting in an ensuite

[RossR]

Adding lighting points is notifiable if either:

1) a new circuit is involved or
2) a "special location" or kitchen is involved or
3) a "special installation" is involved.

"Special installations" include, amongst others:

"Extra-low voltage lighting installations, other than pre-assembled, CE-marked lighting sets"

You are right there is no mention of plug and socket connections.

If you are wiring a transformer for some new lights anywhere in your home, it is notifiable.

Special locations include "Locations containing a bath tub or shower basin" - no mention of zones anywhere that I can see.

 

[riveralt]

Adding lighting points is notifiable if either:


"Special installations" include, amongst others:

"Extra-low voltage lighting installations, other than pre-assembled, CE-marked lighting sets"

Yes, but as I said, all lights sold in the UK have been CE marked since 31st December 1997.

If you are wiring a transformer for some new lights anywhere in your home, it is notifiable.

I cannot find this in the approved documents - can you point it out for me please? If its true then I have got a lot of notifications to make - back make or whatever the word is.

 

[RossR]

The important bits are "pre-assembled" and "lighting sets".

If you buy a transformer in a box, then buy some lights, in another box, then choose some cable you've already got to connect the two, it is not a pre-assembled lighting set, so is notifiable.

 

[riveralt]

If you buy a transformer in a box, then buy some lights, in another box, then choose some cable you've already got to connect the two, it is not a pre-assembled lighting set, so is notifiable.

Don't think many people now that

 

[RossR]

Don't think many people now that

No, I don't think many do. I think the rational behind it is that the current on the ELV side can be so high and so correct cable choice is important.

 

[riveralt]

If you buy a transformer in a box, then buy some lights, in another box, then choose some cable you've already got to connect the two, it is not a pre-assembled lighting set, so is notifiable.

You got me a bit worried about that - I have fitted dozens of lights in the situation you describe and quite a few were not notifed.
I have just spoken to my building control officer and he has said that their view is that pre-assembled means that you build it up the component parts of the transformer or light yourself where a complete transformer (the one you buy in the shop) and or lighting set were pre-assembled. And as such I do not need to notify them. Phew!

 

[RossR]

I have just spoken to my building control officer and he has said that their view is that pre-assembled means that you build it up the component parts of the transformer or light yourself where a complete transformer (the one you buy in the shop) and or lighting set were pre-assembled. And as such I do not need to notify them. Phew!

I'm very surprised by that interpretation, and other LABCs may differ. Not, that I'd argue with him!

Think of it another way - why is that clause in there? To stop all those people making there own transformers? Or is it to stop someone from hooking 200W of 12V Halogens to a transformer with some 0.5mm bell wire?