Whats the difference?

[bones75cbr]

So guys if you can buy a table lamp with an inline switch that runs from a socket. Can you make your own lighting for say a cupboard in this way with flex and an inline switch to a pendant??

 

[mapj1]

Yes, but be aware of using fittings that can take the right wattage bulb (i.e. are good for the largest thing anyone might sensibly ever need, probably at least 100W), arrange it so that the bulb can't overheat the shade or the flex or anything else, and arange cable grips at both ends in case the flex in case it gets pulled. Use the right sort of flex, look at a ready made one for guidence.
A ready made lamp has already been tested for all these things, but a home made one is fine, so long as you are careful, and think carefully how to avoid silly accidents.#
regards M.

 

[bones75cbr]

Thanks for that. So what if the fitting was a small fluorescent (sp?) with a 18w tube?

 

[mapj1]

Exactly the same really, but if the fitting needs to be screwed to something to make it rigid and secure then you may need to attach it to a suitable batten of wood, and attach the cable securely to this, fittings made for fixed wiring don't often have good cable clamping arrangements.
cheers M.

 

[plugwash]

you could stick a chockbox in the cupboard near the fitting and run the flex through both its cord grips.

alternatively you could use a compression gland in the fittings knockout but if you do this you will probablly want to use 1.25/1.5mm flex as i somewhat doubt they will grip the smaller sizes.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

What's in the cupboard? How often and for how long will you turn the light on?