Post lights on outside decking?

[alex kane]

Hi Everyone

One of my customers is getting some decking put in at the back of his house. It's designed so you can walk straight out the back door onto it. He says he wants 3 post lights fitted to it.
There is a 13amp switched fused spur inside right next to the back door. I'll be using this as a feed. I intended to drill through the wall and run conduit down the back wall until it was underneath the decking and into a IP65 junction box. From hear I intended to use SWA cable to connect the post lights up.

I haven't ever wired up these sorts of lights before and wasn't sure if SWA would be easiest. Some people have advised me to use T&E cable and put it inside flexi conduit. Would this be suitable mechanical protection? None of the cables will be buried, just left on the soil underneath the decking or clipped to the decking itself.

Just looking for some pointers and trying to save myself some hastle!

 

[Leesparkykent]

Is the decking raised?

 

[alex kane]

yes. About a foot from the soil

 

[Flanders]

How about using SY cable the SWA may be difficult to terminate into the ballads or may be worth looking at extra low voltage i would not recommend twin and earth outside under the decking even in flex conduit, them dam rodents might be chewing on the cables

 

[alex kane]

Hadn't thought of SY. I didn't think it would provide enough mechanical protection. Surly Jerry could chew through that as well?

 

[ruston]

SY is for indoor use only .

SY Control Flexible Cable | Eland Cables

 

[Darkwood]

If you can access underneath the decking after its fitted then just clib UV rated flex to the underside supports and use some IP rated boxes and flex out the posts, if you can't make any joints maintenance free, no need for SWA etc IMHO unless I'm lacking info here.

 

[Flanders]

SY is for indoor use only .

SY Control Flexible Cable | Eland Cables

Interesting that it is not to be used for outdoor use but is suitable for wet or damp environments I suppose it is due to UV damage but thanks for the info

(I have seen it used on outside compactors and the like many times before) But just because other have done it a guess it does not mean its right:rolleyes4:

 

[ruston]

I know , most of the cable manufacturers say it is for indoor use.
To be honest that link is the first time ( I can remember) It being recommended for those conditions.

 

[davesparks]

H07 RNF tough flexible cable would comply with all the requirements of not buried.

SY is not suitable for outdoor use, water will get in and you end up with green stuff growing inside the clear sheath, then the clear sheath falls apart after a couple of years in sunlight.
Plus it just isn't a heavy duty flex.