6 lights on a switch????

[john waters]

hi all i am wiring a new build house and have been told i can not put
any more than 6 lights on a switch anyone else heard of this
or know where the reg comes from

 

[SparkyChick]

I don't believe there is any regulation where this is a stipulation. It should be down to the design of the installation and the current ratings of the switches involved.

Most light switches are rated at 6 amps (or more) and given most lighting is LED, that's a lot of lights.

Unless there is a lot of downlights or other small lights, I wouldn't have expected more than a couple of lights on one switch anyway, so what lighting are you installing?

 

[The Ghost]

I can't see why at all. Don't believe there is a reg that covers that. Well @SparkyChick said as much, beaten to it.

 

[Octopus]

You can get 8 gang switches ..................

JCC have recommendations of number of their lights per circuit and the cable / breaker size.

Its a bit like what I was told yesterday "you don't have to use grommets in metal boxes anymore" - what carp

 

[marconi]

.... i can not put
any more than 6 lights on a switch ....

In our kitchen we have 20 Saxby LED ceiling lamps on a 6A MK switch plate protected by a 6A type B MK MCB - there was no requirement for us to switch sub-groups of lamps.

 

[john waters]

No problem with loadings etc but they are telling me its a new reg for energy conservation and where for example we have 8 recessed led fittings in a corridoor it will make wiring a pain

 

[Rosco]

Who is telling you this and what “reg” are they quoting?

Oh and welcome to the forum

 

[Jim90]

I was on new build houses last year, never heard of that. Is that a developer asking this? Could be client specific.

 

[7029 dave]

News to me, wait a minute it's not the 1st April is it.?

 

[Richard Burns]

The domestic building Services compliance guide as referenced in Part L of the BR states this information.

However it is a recommendation not a proscription.

 

[DPG]

That's still relating to high wattage filament lamps though. Not as relevant these days with LEDs.

 

[ruston]

Yes , a bit like bank switching for inrush on the old florries.

 

[Octopus]

The domestic building Services compliance guide as referenced in Part L of the BR states this information.
View attachment 40285
However it is a recommendation not a proscription.

Very interesting, and only a recomendation.

So 6 lights is correct if they are all 16 watts each

So it could be 20 x 5 watt lights

And more inportantly, this is NOT in BS 7671 so why do we need to do this?

Certficates we sign off, confirm compliance to BS 7671 , nothing else!

No wonder the trade is in a pickle!

 

[7029 dave]

^^^ Building control sticking their 2pence worth in, rubbish advice IMO anyway.

 

[polo1]

I’m not that familiar with the English building regs, but does Part L not only apply where the job is subject to building warrant e.g a new build, major renovation, extension etc?
And, expect something in the 18th regarding energy conservation!