Outside lighting

[sparks1234]

So, what alternatives are there for wiring outside lights on a house?

Generally people want lights next to their patio doors etc etc switched from one position. Now obviously wiring inside is ok in the ceilings but when you come down the walls what options are there? its not in a safe zone as there is no switch to show there may be cables?
Steel conduit

What about an FP200 with outer earth sheath

Any suggestions

 

[roukel01]

Cables concealed in a wall now have to be RCD protected regardless of whether they are in a "Safe Zone" or not.

 

[Deleted member 9648]

I've explained the problem to customers before and they have been ok with a flush architrave box and blank plate on the wall directly behind the external light,you might even get it concealed behind the curtains.
Cable now in line with a point and complies with regs.

 

[sparks1234]

Cables concealed in a wall now have to be RCD protected regardless of whether they are in a "Safe Zone" or not.

Yes I know that

I've explained the problem to customers before and they have been ok with a flush architrave box and blank plate on the wall directly behind the external light,you might even get it concealed behind the curtains.
Cable now in line with a point and complies with regs.

Not an option

 

[Deleted member 9648]

Options.....Blank plate at skirting level?.......If i'ts new build install a socket directly below your lighting drop..... 150mm below ceiling level is a safe zone,you may be able to drill up at an angle from outside and get into the 150mm zone,(done this successfully before). Otherwise you have no choice but to use a cable with an earthed sheath or earthed steel conduit.At least one manufacturer has produced a pvc cable which is designed specifically for this sort of problem,I've not used it but your wholesaler should have the details.

 

[danzor]

Wise Box Outdoor Circuit Digital Wireless Switching System - QVS Electrical Supplies | Electrical Wholesaler

works a treat

 

[Deleted member 9648]

Yes I've used them before and never had any come back, but the problem here is how to get a cable down an inside wall to an outside light and stay within the regs.

 

[sparks1234]

Wise Box Outdoor Circuit Digital Wireless Switching System - QVS Electrical Supplies | Electrical Wholesaler

works a treat

You still need to get a feed there

 

[danzor]

You still need to get a feed there

I thought the original comment was about switching etc

 

[solo2771]

can't you use steel capping (earthed of course)?

 

[ian.settle1]

Cables concealed in a wall now have to be RCD protected regardless of whether they are in a "Safe Zone" or not.

Only if less than 50mm deep and not protected by earthed mechanical protection does it need to be RCD protected.

 

[sparks1234]

I thought the original comment was about switching etc

No, it was about getting a cable from the ceiling to a position to go out through the wall without seeing a plate or trunking internally

Options.....Blank plate at skirting level?.......If i'ts new build install a socket directly below your lighting drop..... 150mm below ceiling level is a safe zone,you may be able to drill up at an angle from outside and get into the 150mm zone,(done this successfully before). Otherwise you have no choice but to use a cable with an earthed sheath or earthed steel conduit.At least one manufacturer has produced a pvc cable which is designed specifically for this sort of problem,I've not used it but your wholesaler should have the details.

This really is a general scenario problem, most people have external lights, many of them PIR operated, some people have a number of lights around the house switched from one point and therefore no plate would be installed internally.

As for the suggestion of capping.
We always use metal capping for the cables, but if you earth it, would that comply with earthed metal protection? or would that only apply to steel conduit which is obviously a lot stronger

 

[Deleted member 9648]

The earthed metal covering has to be suitable for use as a cpc.....so I dont think capping would be acceptable.

 

[The Truth]

Wise Box Outdoor Circuit Digital Wireless Switching System - QVS Electrical Supplies | Electrical Wholesaler

works a treat

duh you steel need a cable to the light fitting and hence the same problem

can't you use steel capping (earthed of course)?

no no no no no no nonooooooooooooooooo no capping!!!! who does that seriously?!

use AEI 'nail safe' / flexishield / FP200 is virtually the same stuff

Flexishield Cables

or as someone said earlier, just put a blanked 1 gang box at socket level or position a socket below for a new build

 

[Deleted member 9648]

As far as I can see you can....1. get your drop in line with a point 2. drop in another safe zone,ie 150mm from the ceiling line,or 150mm from the angle formed by two walls. 3. use an approved earthed sheath wiring system. 4. drop surface either inside or out.................End of.......if the customer wont wear any of those options they'll have to buy a torch.