CU change only one lighting circuit ???

[ianphilip007]

hi there

need a little advice when you change a C.U that currently has only one lighting circuit covering the whole property( upstairs and down) this circuit would need to be split into 2 seperate circuits before beeing connected to the new CU is my thinking correct re reg 314??

 

[Mr.Ian]

'''''So all of downstairs is in darkness. The lights upstairs are fine. Doesn’t help when bumbling in the downstairs cubby hole for the MCB'''''

Ok but at least the staircase has a chance of being lit by either the upstairs lighting or the downstairs lighting.

Safer ????
yes I recon so.

 

[Rockingit]

'''''So all of downstairs is in darkness. The lights upstairs are fine. Doesn’t help when bumbling in the downstairs cubby hole for the MCB'''''

Ok but at least the staircase has a chance of being lit by either the upstairs lighting or the downstairs lighting.

Safer ????
yes I recon so.

I think the point that is being missed here is the word 'minimise'. It's not 'eradicate'. And 'minimise' requires a risk based approach, and a risk based approach considers all factors - including cost effectiveness of implementation.

There is a risk that I might fall down stairs one day. I minimise it by paying attention to what I'm doing, not by stepping into my michellin-man suit whenever I want to use them.

 

[Mr.Ian]

Yes I agree the is a risk we might fall downstairs any day of the week due to our own clumseyness. I just look at it that the customer wouldn't be very happy in an extreme case had they fallen down the stairs that they found out their new cu install was the reason they were plunged into darkness throught the house just because a single lamp blew.
Hypothetical situation I know but I still feel a safety issue especially with the elderly.
I can see the minimise costs as mentioned as customers want it as cheap as poss.
Each to their own

 

[telectrix]

more at risk of falling downstairs after a skinful than if the lights were out. can't see any reg. banning booze.

 

[Top Cat]

more at risk of falling downstairs after a skinful than if the lights were out. can't see any reg. banning booze.

Probably will be in the 18th Edition!

 

[Rockingit]

Chaps - by the time the 18th gets published and we've paid for it, none of us are going to be able to afford any booze!

 

[Fin170]

There is always the option of emergency (decorative) lights for the stairway and meter cupboard if you believe the risk is too great

 

[Mr.Ian]

There is always the option of emergency (decorative) lights for the stairway and meter cupboard if you believe the risk is too great

Yes true, but that then is even more cost and work involved.
I still feel upstairs and downstairs lighting split is a safer option, but obviously from your postings not a necessity.

 

[Fin170]

Hmmm, you could fit a emergency light right next to the CU pretty easily...in the right circumstances you could even convert the landing light

In my opinion though it's not necessary. Even if you only have 1 ring and 1 lighting circuit as long as they're on separate RCDs I'd consider it the most sensible approach to the cost involved. If the lights go out your t.v., computer or other 21st century appliance is usually kicking out enough light to find your way around anyway

 

[DPG]

My house was built with all the lights on one circuit and it has never caused me any major problems.

Also, it's dark when I get up on a winter's morning but I have always managed to remember where the light switch is. Daz

 

[Guitarist]

It could always be compulsary to wear a headtorch whenever using stairs. That way, the risk has been minimised at very little cost...

 

[Plonker 3]

May as well apply for a 3 phase supply for the house and wire 3 lights in each room on different phases too just in case 1 phase goes down.

 

[Guitarist]

I love how the "you could fall down the stairs" thing is always bandied about. The odds of an RCD or MCB tripping at the exact moment someone is walking down the stairs, along with the chance that said person was disoriented enough to fall, along with that fall resulting in a death or serious injury must be way, way higher than having a car accident, yet still we drive.
And yes, I know it is about "minimising" danger. Where do you stop tho? I think my headtorch idea is actually quite sensible for anyone who is worried

 

[Knobhead]

May as well apply for a 3 phase supply for the house and wire 3 lights in each room on different phases too just in case 1 phase goes down.

Oh god don't say I've got to rewire again. I've only just finished the last one!

View attachment 12478

 

[jaresquire]

Thats a big bug zapper Tony!