Best way to loop garden lights?

[HappyHippyDad]

Evening all..

I have been asked to install 2 garden lights, the chap says most likely they will be spike lights in the ground. I was wondering how everyone loops them together? There will be SWA coming from the house to first light and also SWA linking 1st to 2nd light

I have had a good look around the site and there seems to be quite a few different ideas so I thought I'd ask and see what everyone now thinks?

I've come across these which look good but expensive http://www.pratley.com/Sales_Leaflets/Ezee_Fit_Leaflet.pdf

also.. 5 Amp 3 Pin Weatherproof Socket - Metal

I've also seen metal conduit boxes used but i didn't like that as I didn't think they had the necessary IP rating.

An IP adaptable box would be nice and easy, but theres nowhere to attach it with just a spike in the ground.

Cheers all..

 

[GLENNSPARK]

Evening all..

I have been asked to install 2 garden lights, the chap says most likely they will be spike lights in the ground. I was wondering how everyone loops them together? There will be SWA coming from the house to first light and also SWA linking 1st to 2nd light

I have had a good look around the site and there seems to be quite a few different ideas so I thought I'd ask and see what everyone now thinks?

I've come across these which look good but expensive http://www.pratley.com/Sales_Leaflets/Ezee_Fit_Leaflet.pdf

also.. 5 Amp 3 Pin Weatherproof Socket - Metal

I've also seen metal conduit boxes used but i didn't like that as I didn't think they had the necessary IP rating.

An IP adaptable box would be nice and easy, but theres nowhere to attach it with just a spike in the ground.

Cheers all..

 

[uksparks]

How are you planning on terminating the swa in to the first light?

 

[davesparks]

Spike lights come pre flexed, he is asking for recommendations on what to use for the joint.

Personally I like the pratley joint boxes linked above for outside joints in SWA, and they aren't as expensive as you seem to think.

For spike lights it is usually better to have a socket mounted on a small stake/post so that the lights can be unplugged and moved out of the way when gardening or mowing the lawn etc. Lewden 5A plugs/sockets are my preference for that but you have to mount them sideways to avoid a top entry with the SWA.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

How are you planning on terminating the swa in to the first light?

SWA to junction box (3 way pratley box?), then flex up to the light and SWA on to next light?

 

[GLENNSPARK]

SWA to junction box (3 way pratley box?), then flex up to the light and SWA on to next light?

use some compound in the IP box wont you....

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Spike lights come pre flexed, he is asking for recommendations on what to use for the joint.

Personally I like the pratley joint boxes linked above for outside joints in SWA, and they aren't as expensive as you seem to think.

For spike lights it is usually better to have a socket mounted on a small stake/post so that the lights can be unplugged and moved out of the way when gardening or mowing the lawn etc. Lewden 5A plugs/sockets are my preference for that but you have to mount them sideways to avoid a top entry with the SWA.

The lewden plug/socket was my second choice but if I'm going to have to put a stake in the ground next to the light I could just use an adaptable box?

use some compound in the IP box wont you....

The magic gel looks good, but if the box is already IP x8 rated is that really necessary?

Scrub that.. yes it is... moisture!

 

[trev]

The magic gel looks good, but if the box is already IP x8 rated is that really necessary?

One word mate. Condensation.

 

[GLENNSPARK]

The lewden plug/socket was my second choice but I have to admit I was unsure how to mount them, if I'm going to have to put a stake in the ground next to the light I could just use an adaptable box?


The magic gel looks good, but if the box is already IP x8 rated is that really necessary?

Scrub that.. yes it is... moisture!

just do as you`v been told....or you`l get fault....

check out #8

 

[davesparks]

I prefer plug and socket for spike lights as I mentioned above as they can be taken out of the way for gardening and mowing easier, and disconnected and replaced easily when the fools destroy them whilst gardening and mowing etc.

If making a permanent connection I would go with the pratley boxes over adaptable boxes, properly IP rated with no compound required and the earth continuity for the SWA is all already there. Glands and all are included in the box when you buy it, just need a compression gland conversion for the flex.
I do add a bit of self amalgamating tape before sliding the shroud over the gland as I don't think it gives the best water seal for the armouring.

 

[davesparks]

Oh yeah and little packets of silica gel work wonders for drying out the air sealed inside these boxes.

 

[GLENNSPARK]

Oh yeah and little packets of silica gel work wonders for drying out the air sealed inside these boxes.

if he packs em out properly...then he wont need silica packs...will he....