Adding a halogen light to a loop-in circuit

Fraser · Post by **Fraser** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 1:46 pm

Hi

I would like a bit of advice about adding a halogen fitting to an existing loop-in circuit.

I was thinking of adding a junction box in the circuit and running a cable to the halogen light and another to the new switch. I think it'll work but I'd like to know if you think it is safe?

(I've drawn a couple of very basic diagrams to help decipher my description)

The halogen fitting is 5x35w so will 1mm2 twin&earth be sufficient?

In case you ask, the reason I wasn't going to add the halogen as a loop-in is ease of access but if you have any other suggestions for methods I would be pleased to hear them.

Thanks

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Fri Jan 18, 2008 9:24 am

I can't see a problem with it, apart from any junction box needs to be accessable and so this is not an ideal solution if the junction box cannot be accessed.

ban-all-sheds · Post by **ban-all-sheds** » Fri Jan 18, 2008 12:18 pm

Breaking into loop-in lighting circuits is the reason they make 4-terminal JBs, so it's perfectly OK.

Yes, JBs need to be accessible, but that term is a bit vague - if you can get to it via a downlight hole in the ceiling, or by lifting the floor above, then you'll be no worse off than millions of existing houses.

If there is no access through the ceiling, and the floor above cannot be lifted, then you have a problem.

As for cable, use whatever size the existing lighting circuit is wired in.

Are you aware of the notification requirements if this is in a kitchen/bathroom/shower-room etc?

Fraser · Post by **Fraser** » Fri Jan 18, 2008 12:35 pm

The JB would be accessible via a floorboard from the bedroom above.

I am fitting the light in a kitchen and I am not really aware of notification re: kitchens but I'll search the forum as I'm sure it'll be around here.

Thanks for your replies.

Fraser · Post by **Fraser** » Fri Jan 18, 2008 12:37 pm

Found your helpful post about notification here - diy-electrical-work-and-the-law-t6296.html

Thanks

Stoday · Post by **Stoday** » Fri Jan 18, 2008 8:31 pm

ban-all-sheds wrote: As for cable, use whatever size the existing lighting circuit is wired in.

Like 3/029?

Rich-Ando · Post by **Rich-Ando** » Sat Jan 19, 2008 1:17 am

Stoday wrote:
ban-all-sheds wrote: As for cable, use whatever size the existing lighting circuit is wired in.
Like 3/029?

Ha Ha!

ban-all-sheds · Post by **ban-all-sheds** » Sat Jan 19, 2008 1:23 am