External Security lights - Domestic - RCD or Not

[claret73]

Am replacing 2x PIR Lights outside Front & Back at my Dad's place for 150W PIRs. I am going to utilise a Socket Spur in the loft for the feed and was replacing the socket for a FCU to provide the 2x Loads. Just wondering as the back light will be fitted next to the kitchen window, accessible to anybody via ladders should I consider RCD Protection? This would have to be an RCD FCU in the loft as the board is a 3036 rewireable.

All the cable runs will be clipped direct to joists in the loft. What do people think about using RCD Spurs? I know it only provides protection for the new section of cable but I'd be opening a 'Massive' Can of worms if I have to start considering RCD near the board.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

eassily remembered spin, from my maths teacher at school. the arrow points to the lower of the 2 values. e.g.10>9.

I understand it when there are figures in use Tel, 50>40 or 40<50.
Where I have trouble is when words are used as in concealed >50mm or <50mm from the surface of a wall, that's when my brain stops working.
I sort it out, then the next time, i's all gone gone.
This is why I always yse the words less than rather than a symbol.

 

[telectrix]

ah, i see. i have the same problem sometimes have to look up Ia,Ib,In etc. when in a rush, can't remember which is which sometimes. couple of beers usually sorts the fuzz out thhough.

 

[claret73]

or even put a plug on a flex to the outside lights/PIR. then regulations would not apply.

This is how it currently stands. T&E on a Plug Top. Each light fitting having its own Cable feed & Plug. Just felt that given I'm replacing the fittings, it would be a better looking job to do it like this, albeit unnecessary...still, doesn't get around the fact that having tested the circuit (and even if I was whacking in flex on a plug, surely it should be tested) I have unsatisfactory reading on I/R.

It's just one of those. My folks aren't looking to stay in the house much beyond a few more years, so the expense of causing damage to the decor (another typical example of Domestic) doesn't run well with my Dad. Just trying to do a nice job around current Regs & Part P but as I know too many interpretations or ways of doing it to satisfy without causing too much aggro...

 

[Deleted member 9648]

There's a lot to be said for locating a security light close to a socket in the house...As Tel said....plug,flex ,light....no testing...no paperwork...cheap and effective. Excessive regulation tends to result in finding ways to get around it and make life simpler,If you hard wire a can of worms may indeed be opened,time money...reams of form filling....end result is the same,a working light.