HELP! Down light installation??

[Oliver9]

Hello,

I am looking for some help if possible please, I am buying a new build property in the near future and the building company want payment per down light.

Instead of paying this I am looking to install the lights myself. There will be around 6-8 in the kitchen, 2 in the downstairs bathroom, 6 in the downstairs hallway, 4 in the main bathroom upstairs, 4 on the landing, and 4 in the en suite. This will total to 26-28 down lights over all so this could be a massive saving.

I have a NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Installation and Commissioning and I also have 17th Edition and I know that I need IP65 rated down lights in the wet areas as well as making sure all down lights are fire rated. I plan to wire each light in a radial circuit within each room and take the feed from the main ceiling light that is already there. I will use 1.5mm2 Twin and Earth for all lights.

Is there anything you advise that I need to also do? And in terms of a test certificate, will it be suitable to do the work myself and then get a registered electrician in to test and issue me with an Installation Certificate?

EDIT:

I have been reading various different answers on this website and I now have come to the conclusion that it would be easier to get the builder to install the down lights in the main bathroom and en-suite as these are 'special areas' and are notifiable to the building control. However, am I right in thinking if the ceiling height is more than 2.25m high, this is not notifiable?

In regards to the kitchen, downstairs bathroom (sink basin & toilet only), hallway and landing; as these are not 'special areas' can I install the down lights myself?


Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

Kind Regards

Ollie

 

[Octopus]

Hum ... You need your shiny me home with a completion certificate....

So you are planning to lift all the floors and / or cut loads of holes in the ceiling and all the resulting making good ....

Get it done by the builder is my advice

 

[Oliver9]

Thank you for the response.

I admit it will be easier to get the builder to do it but my logic is to save a fair amount money (around £35/£40 per down light) if possible.

I also won't have any carpets or flooring initially so there won't be any issues in lifting floor boards.

 

[telectrix]

taking the feed from an existing central light position, using wagos in a wagobox , then daisy chaining the downlights is fine. forget 1.5mm use 1.0mm. do the usual tests and complete a MWC for each circuit. as long as you are competent to do the work, then no need to get anyone else involved.

 

[telectrix]

is this a duplicate thread? i have just replied to this and it does not show on this thread!!!.

 

[Octopus]

Duplicate post alert

Tel.... I've disagreed with you ... See the other thread for my reason

 

[SparkyChick]

I also won't have any carpets or flooring initially so there won't be any issues in lifting floor boards.

Apart from it's likely to be big sheets of interlocked chipboard, lifting them is probably not an option. It's more likely you'll need to cut holes as @Murdoch said.

Personally I'd get it done by the builders... at least the ones on the ground floor. The ones on the first floor won't be too bad as you'll have access to the attic.

 

[SparkyChick]

Just moved the responses from the duplicate into here If you (@telectrix , @Murdoch ) want them tweaked at all, let me know.

 

[telectrix]

SC, you can tweak me any time you want,.

 

[SparkyChick]

SC, you can tweak me any time you want,.

With or without that leather/pvc combo from that pic???

 

[telectrix]

With or without that leather/pvc combo from that pic???

you're in charge (mod). you decide.

 

[Pete999]

top this filth, it's too much for me to take in

 

[telectrix]

top this filth, it's too much for me to take in

jealous.

 

[littlespark]

OP:- If the house isn’t finished, would the builder allow you access to run cables etc before ceiling done/ floorboards?
He can finish the house off with your cables lying dormant until completion, and signed off. then when you move in, you can cut your downlight holes and e voila, there’s your cables.

However, builder might just scupper your plans and “accidentally” cut an important cable considering he’s losing out on 40 quid a fitting.
So cynical of builders all of a sudden.

 

[telectrix]

agree. there's nowt so bad as a builder being robbed of his huge profits.