Downlights

[eckersecker]

Is it good practice with 230v downlights to connect them to pork pie jbs via a flex, or can the 1.5mm twin and earth just loop in and out ? I've always done it the first way, but I was recently questioned why.

 

[malcolmsanford]

Both ways are acceptable but like you if I have to fit these bloomin' things I prefer to do them via a JB.

You can use heat proof flex, it saves trying to connect 2-3 T+E into normally woeful small connectors and with having to use so many in a ceiling to get anything that resembles a decent light, it is far easier to replace broken/damaged ones as the need arise

 

[ezzzekiel]

The ashley downlight boxes are great for this only a bit dearer

 

[Octopus]

I always use the clicflow connectors - much easier to assemble and manage.

 

[Deleted member 9648]

Strictly speaking connecting flex and solid core wires in the same terminal..ie-a JB is bad practice,as the flex may not be properly clamped,particularly if not doubled up....also a JB is designed to be fixed,not stuffed through a hole in the ceiling.
The best way is to use a connector designed for the purpose...like one of these.....Click CT101C Flow Connector 16A Plug-in Connector

That said I've done hundreds with JB's and not had a problem.....
Edit...Murdoch beat me to it!

 

[telectrix]

pork pie JBs and H/R flex for me. cheap and reliable.

 

[GaryM]

^^^Ditto^^^

Never had a problem doing it that way.

 

[Deleted member 19807]

Strictly speaking connecting flex and solid core wires in the same terminal..ie-a JB is bad practice,as the flex may not be properly clamped,particularly if not doubled up....also a JB is designed to be fixed,not stuffed through a hole in the ceiling.
The best way is to use a connector designed for the purpose...like one of these.....Click CT101C Flow Connector 16A Plug-in Connector

That said I've done hundreds with JB's and not had a problem.....
Edit...Murdoch beat me to it!

i also use these, however they do not have any cable clamps on the part that connects to the fixed wiring,

Talking with them at elex about it they said they should be fixed to a joist with a screw and then cable clipped. I told them that was never going to happen as it can't be done, he just said that was their recomendation to comply with the reg.

i will still use them as they are no worse then a round jb pushed through the hole but a whole lot better for 1st fixing/testing

 

[mhar]

What is a 'pork pie' junction box

 

[GaryM]

What is a 'pork pie' junction box

I made the assumption that it was a small 4 terminal 20A junction box.
http://www.lamppostelectrical.co.uk/custom/upload/images/products/1/236x180/491.jpg

 

[telectrix]

that's the one--- 2" round , 4 terminal.

 

[tonyjones]

If the box is not fastened you should use joint boxes with cable clamps, there is a regulation that covers this but I can't remember the number off hand. I use the ashley J501 joint boxes for down lights as it has cable grips, plenty of room for cables inside, fits easily through hole in ceiling. Only down side it is a bit more expensive than the pork pie JBs. Hope this helps.

 

[D Skelton]

I normally loop in and out with the T+E. too much faffing around otherwise. Just use one JB for the loop in/loop out/light/switch feeds.

 

[stuart569]

If the box is not fastened you should use joint boxes with cable clamps, there is a regulation that covers this but I can't remember the number off hand. I use the ashley J501 joint boxes for down lights as it has cable grips, plenty of room for cables inside, fits easily through hole in ceiling. Only down side it is a bit more expensive than the pork pie JBs. Hope this helps.

Me too!
522.8.5
There shall be no undue mechanical strain on the terminations of the conductors.

 

[GLENNSPARK]

My boss uses those chock box things with the snap down lids on em...and the "wings" that i notch out with the snips......just string em and have about 6" flying out of each one for the fitting.......