Outside lights required at end of garden

[Gary C]

I need to install some outside lighting at the far end of the father in laws garden (brownie points available here!). They have existing power outside (sockets only). The preferred method is to run the cable along the side wall down to the required position.
Please could i have some advice on the best methods for this:

- Connection into existing indoor lighting circuit? - RCD protected?
- Type of cable - Armoured or run in conduit (metal, plastic?)
- Regulations that i may be missing?
- Any other advice that you may have?

Realise these are quite basic questions but having only just passed electrical exams, some of the more practical information is lacking

 

[Richard Burns]

If you have sockets available then the easiest thing would be to get a string of plug in lights, but get one with a separate transformer so you can get the plug in the socket.

30mA RCD protection is always a good idea but not required (yet) for surface run cable or outside lights.
Armoured cable if there is the chance of damage, heavy duty flex if not.
Read section 714 and 715 of BS7671.

 

[Deleted member 9648]

If any joints are required on the wiring use suitably IP rated enclosures above ground, or full resin joints below ground. Do not bury any enclosure other than a full resin joint, water ingress and come back guaranteed if you do.

 

[dmxtothemax]

Have you considered using low voltage lighting ?
Some LED floods say from 10w to 30w
And would greatly simplify instalation.

 

[telectrix]

or wait for Santa to send his elves round.

 

[Gary C]

If you have sockets available then the easiest thing would be to get a string of plug in lights, but get one with a separate transformer so you can get the plug in the socket.

30mA RCD protection is always a good idea but not required (yet) for surface run cable or outside lights.
Armoured cable if there is the chance of damage, heavy duty flex if not.
Read section 714 and 715 of BS7671.

 

[Gary C]

If you have sockets available then the easiest thing would be to get a string of plug in lights, but get one with a separate transformer so you can get the plug in the socket.

30mA RCD protection is always a good idea but not required (yet) for surface run cable or outside lights.
Armoured cable if there is the chance of damage, heavy duty flex if not.
Read section 714 and 715 of BS7671.

The sockets are at the wrong end of the garden as well.
So assuming the indoor lighting circuit is suitable to add the additional external lighting, i can add an additional switch to the existing and feed direct to the light/s