multiple downlight connection question

[pappasmurf]

can someone please explain how under 17th edition you would connect (Loop) to mutiple downlights one to the next; from say, one switch?........ i.e should you use junction boxes, or can you just use connection strips/blocks.... or should you crimp the cable together.... if you crimp, how would you put 2 sets of cable into 1 crimp connection?

 

[Deleted member 26818]

You could use crimps if you really wanted to, but would cause problems if you ever needed to replace anything.
You could use junction boxes, or you could use terminal blocks, but they would have to be in enclosures.
I take it that the terminals on the fittings cannot take two cables, or the lights are ELV?

 

[Paul.M]

As above.

I use MF (maintenance free) jb's like wago, line or ashley boxes for downlight. Loop in and out then take a heat flex from the jb to the fitting.

 

[brucelee]

as paul says try the forum sponser i recently tried the line enclosures and connectors and its a lot quicker and easier

 

[telectrix]

yep. line enclosures with cage connectors. 2 T/E in and 1 flex out. very quick and compliant. they don't need to be MF as they are accessible from the hole the light fits in.

 

[Octopus]

Or buy downlights which are complete with HR cable and the clic connector on the lamp, then you can use the other "half" of the connector do do you loop in/out at each downlight easily.

 

[pappasmurf]

paul.m thanks alot for your suggestion of the Wago. i had a look on youtube aswell, and i cant see why anyone (including myself) would use anything else then these brilliant push fit fittings!
the only drawback is cost.... is it "compulsory" under 17th edition to have these push fit connectors also enclosed?... as that accounts for more cost per fitting!.... i have about 3 million downlights to fit in an 8 bedroom house!.... so cost is paramount.

 

[Octopus]

paul.m thanks alot for your suggestion of the Wago. i had a look on youtube aswell, and i cant see why anyone (including myself) would use anything else then these brilliant push fit fittings!
the only drawback is cost.... is it "compulsory" under 17th edition to have these push fit connectors also enclosed?... as that accounts for more cost per fitting!.... i have about 3 million downlights to fit in an 8 bedroom house!.... so cost is paramount.

Sorry if this sounds harsh but didn't you allow for the correct parts in your pricing??

 

[pappasmurf]

its my own house!.... and theirs tons more then electrics to do on it

 

[IzzyS]

They must be enclosed according to the regs. Otherwise your really expensive house might burn to the ground and your insurance won't pay out...

 

[Octopus]

its my own house!.... and theirs tons more then electrics to do on it

In which case a few more of your own pounds on your own house would be money well spent.

 

[pappasmurf]

on the youtube videos, they do various types... cage type, push-fit.... is there any type i should be looking for?..... also spinlondon mentioned i could just use the usuall screw type terminal blocks which must be enclosed. anyone have a link for these standard terminal block enclosures?

 

[Resu]

Cheapest method would be connector block, flex out and choc box. Time consuming though.

 

[Amp David]

The main concern really is making sure your cables are secured when entering the enclosure/junction box.

On the standard round JBs this isn't possible, so use whatever you like as long as it has cable restraints.

 

[pappasmurf]

Resu Lol i thought you were being nasty when you mentioned choc.box.... but i relaised thats what its called when i saw it on Ebay!...Lol
i think its not that much cheaper going down the choc.box route anyways ... thanks for your advice guys, i'm much more wiser now