Split lighting circuit.

[blackbob]

Hi,
i'm new to the forums so don't know if i'm in the correct place.

I'm near my limit on my lighting circuit and was wondering if it could be split into two circuits without a full rewire, at the moment both upstairs and down are on one circuit, i had a new consumer unit fitted last year so plenty off space in there, the house is mostly wired with single core but also a mixture of twin and earth where new lighting has been fitted, reason i ask is i want to fit some down lighters in the lounge but i'm sure they would push the circuit over the limit.
All work will be carried out by an qualified electrician.
thanks

 

[SMB]

Trying to split that circuit will be a pain in the butt.

Why not run a new circuit to the lounge for your downlights?

Ive always gone on the idea of 1000w per lighting circuit......so 10 lights per circuit, fused at 5 or 6 amps. However, no one uses 100w bulbs any more so more than 10 lights per circuit will be fine.

Add up the wattage being used on your present circuit. You might be surprized how low it infact is.

All the best.

 

[rryles]

It's also unlikely that you'll have more than half of your lights on at the same time.

 

[Paul.M]

SMB has hit the nail on the head. If you are close to or going over the circuit limit you'll have to install a new circuit for your livingroom lights. See what your electrician says when he has a look.

 

[swindon spark]

You say that the existing wiring is a mix of single and twin and earth. In 20 years the only singles I have seen installed are in conduit systems. The singles you are refering to have got to be much older than that.

When the consumer unit was installed was the installation fully tested and a certificate issued?

I agree with SMB. Install a new circuit just for the lounge downlights.

 

[SMB]

double insulated singles black and singles red and earth cables have been used in domestic installations since I started.....in 1985.

Not trying to be funny, its fact.

 

[blackbob]

Hi again and thanks for your replies,
the house was built in 1976, the unit was tested and a certificate was issued, just done a quick calc off the lights and i get it to 1280 watts

 

[SMB]

A new circuit to the lounge lights it is then blackbob.

Regards.

 

[Paul.M]

New circuit I'm afraid (even with diversity) how close is the c/u to your lounge? Is there access from above?

Ps I use singles now and then, depends on the layout of the install.

 

[SMB]

And there will be some in the post soon paul, if i can manage to get off my lazy butt.

 

[blackbob]

Consumer unit in the garage which is joined onto the side of the lounge wall, what do you mean is there access from above, the bedrooms are are above.
Is it normal practice to run another circuit just for these new lights, my concern being that if i was to sell the house in the future then the new owners could end up running new fittings from both circuits and joining them.

 

[SMB]

I'd stop worrying right now mate and let your sparky worry about it.

It would be perfectly normal to supply your new lounge lighting with a new circuit.

Go put the kettle on and relax.

 

[blackbob]

Ok thanks, any idea of cost of running new circuit, or is the question like how long is a peice of string.

 

[Smugley]

You may also consider installing LED downlights as they don't draw much current at all although many don't like them much. They're more expensive but you could pay for them with the money you'd save on installation labour costs. Just a thought.

 

[SMB]

Up lighters look better than down lighters.

down lights are the scourge of the domestic electrical installation.

awful things.

just my own opinion ofcourse.