Installing an outside light

[p.pd.jones]

I would like to install an outside security light with a pir. The other side of the wall i plan to mount it on has a switch running to a ceiling rose. How do i wire the external light. Can i run a 3amp fused spur off the wire going from the switch to the ceiling rose?

If so how do i go about doing it?

Thanks for any help

PJ

[ultimatehandyman]

Hi p.pd.jones

You may have to notify your local building control department as the light is outside. There is more information on the new electrical rules here-
http://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/new%20rules.htm

You can still do the work yourself but you may need to tell building control first, you may also need to get it inspected afterwards! This can be expensive and so it may be cheaper to get an approved contractor to install the light for you.

You can't run a fused spur off the wire between the switch and the ceiling rose as this is the switched live wire. You could run a 3 amp fused spur from the circuit wire ( this wire goes from the consumer unit to each ceiling rose or junction box). There is a brief explanation here-
http://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/lighting_circuits.htm

You will also have to follow the new rules for permitted zones of the wires-
http://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/routing_a_cable.htm

Low energy light bulbs are not recommended for PIR lighting as the bulbs are often not compatible and often only last a few days.

I hope this helps a little!

[honeymonster]

Why did the government call this regulation part p and not the mother of all stealth taxes?

At least some electricians can now join their elitist little group- niceic

There used to be elitist groups of tradesmen like this before called the stone masons, wonder if sparkies have secret hand shakes etc?

Bit of a p*** take if you ask me, and then to make the neceic a charity :x

Wonder how much the director of this charity earns? more than the director of oxfam perhaps £500,000 per year?

[Stoday]

You may have to notify your local building control department as the light is outside.

You don't have to notify if it's outside. Notification is required for "a garden lighting or electric power installation" so if it's not lighting the garden, you don't need to notify.

Read all about it in Statutory Instrument 2004 No. 3210.