Switching a socket from light switch.

[gmanmanman]

My friend has bought pre wired low voltage lights with the transformer on the plug, they are for the pelmet of his shower (they are correct IP raiting) he is wanting to control them from a light switch outside his bathroom. I take it I would need to fit a contactor to make this work? 6amp lighting circuit controling the contactor, live/neutral A1/A2. 32amp supply for the socket
If so what type of contactor, a 32amp double pole?

Cheers

 

[Octopus]

bitting my lip.

Me thinks your "friend" needs to consult a comptetent sparky,

 

[HandySparks]

What you're suggesting would work. Remember to put a warning label regarding two sources of supply on the contactor enclosure. It would make sense to fuse the supply to the contactor down, then you can use a lower rated one.

Where are you thinking of locating the contactor and the socket for the plug-in transformer?

Remember that, being in a bathroom, this work is notifiable under Part P of the building regs and that you must contact the LABC and cough up the appropriate fee before starting work (if you're not registered). Alternatively, follow Murdoch's advice above.

 

[D80]

What you're suggesting would work. Remember to put a warning label regarding two sources of supply on the contactor enclosure. It would make sense to fuse the supply to the contactor down, then you can use a lower rated one.

Where are you thinking of locating the contactor and the socket for the plug-in transformer?

Remember that, being in a bathroom, this work is notifiable under Part P of the building regs and that you must contact the LABC and cough up the appropriate fee before starting work (if you're not registered). Alternatively, follow Murdoch's advice above.

Please do!

 

[ipf]

Might be considering fixing a 3kw fan heater to the ceiling?

 

[gmanmanman]

Thanks for that Handyspark just wanted to double check, I know it's not ideal setup but I'm trying to work with what I've got. The socket/contactor will be located in a cupboard behind the shower well away from the water.
Thanks again.

 

[gmanmanman]

Yeah thanks for your help Murdoch, really usefull... What do you suggest then ?
I'm just trying to help him out and get his lights working, he went out and bought the lights before asking me and has lost the receipt, are you saying there is no way to make this work??

 

[jase]

why do you need a contactor?

 

[gmanmanman]

Swich the light swich, energise the contactor, closes the skt circuit and powers the lights (mind they are low voltage with the transformer on the plug)

I'm basically trying to energise a skt with a light swich...like I said before I know its not the best set up but I'm just looking for some advice.

Cheers.

 

[jase]

where is the socket going? and fed from ? why not just use a double pole switch?

 

[Marvo]

My friend has bought pre wired low voltage lights with the transformer on the plug,

Low voltage in general electrical terms would include 230volts. If the lighting is 12volt then it's extra low voltage (SELV)
What voltage are the lights?

they are for the pelmet of his shower (they are correct IP raiting) he is wanting to control them from a light switch outside his bathroom.

Alarm bells are ringing here. If this kind of installation is done wrong it could kill somebody. This isn't a DIY job, there's special rules and regs regarding bathrooms and shower areas and they're there for good reason.

I take it I would need to fit a contactor to make this work? 6amp lighting circuit controling the contactor, live/neutral A1/A2. 32amp supply for the socket
If so what type of contactor, a 32amp double pole?

Cheers

You don't need a contactor and you definitely don't need a 32 Amp one. Why are you thinking abut using one?

 

[Paul.M]

No need for a contact switch. Spur line, neutral and cpc from lighting circuit to the switch. Then take them to the socket (no need for a fused spur), label the skt 3A only and plug in the plug tanny for the lights. Nothing against the regs, just make sure its rcd protected due to the area that its in. Nothing says you can't operate a skt VIA a switch.

 

[Engineer54]

I'll ask the same question, why do you need a contactor, to supply this light fitting??

 

[gmanmanman]

socket is going in a cupboard in the room behind the shower so there is no danger of water getting in the skt, I was planning on wiring a new radial ciruit from the board, there is space and I could clearly mark it as the shower lights. I was planning on using a contactor because I wouldn't be able to power a 13amp plug from a lighting circuit.

 

[gmanmanman]

The skt is not going to be under the shower!! It is going in a cupboard in the room behind the shower area.
Thanks.