Garden Lighting Advice

elementps · Mar 10, 2011

Hi all,

Have been asked to install garden lighting for a client. Looking at 40 x spot lights on spikes and 20 flat deck lights (runway style).

After some advice on best practice, easiest installation, ELV or mains?

Buried SWA or t&e in conduit?

Client wants lights to be switched from inside house and divided up into 2 groups (front and rear). Approx 30 lights per switch.

Many Thanks

telectrix · Mar 10, 2011

i wouls suggest uysing 230v. reason being::: that many lights, the current drawn at 12v would be quite high. and you'd need to use some pretty hefty cables.

elementps · Mar 10, 2011

hi telectrix,

that was my thinking, how does this sound?

60 x 50w lights = 3000w/230 = 13.04a

apply diversity 13.04 x .66 = 8.6 a

Going to fit a new circuit to prevent any nuisance tripping in rest of house, so 10 mcb (RCD protected)

would you use SWA outside or conduit, just thinking with this many lights on circuit its going to be a lot of swa glands and bridging of the armour at every jb?

SirKit Breaker · Mar 10, 2011

Have a look at the easy switch system. It is a remote control set up, i fit one a few years ago for something similar to what you are doing. if i remember correctly i got it from TLC direct. Customer was well impressed being able to turn his patio lights and water features on by remote control.

Cheers...........Howard

telectrix · Mar 10, 2011

13A , no diversity as in a house because it's likely they'll all be on together. 16A or 20A MCB or RCBO. 2.5mm cable.you don't want to trip the house RCD with a fault outside. and measure the runs to calculate volt drop.

as howard says, i would go for remote control. saves messing about with switching in the house.

michaelw6 · Mar 10, 2011

Don't them spike lights come on a rubber cable they clamp to?
armoured would be easier i think, into a metal T box with a gland and rubber flex into light fitting. obviously mounted under or as close to light.
Recently done one with an ip rated box mounted on posts in bush as main control box or JB. multi core armoured to box on house wall then T+E run to switch inside.