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Electrical

Wiring an outside light, which cable to use?

Anonymous user 23/02/2024 - 3.29 PM

Hi everyone! I'm installing an outdoor light (IP44 Rated, Max Wattage: 60W); the light will be installed over a clear vent, so no drilling required and no cables going up/down (just straight into the vent itself). The cable will be terminated into a 13A Plug, powered by a double socket, which is a ring main on an RCD, the outdoor light comes preinstalled with a connector strip. My issue here is I'm unsure which cable to use, at first I thought about using Armoured cabled, I then found this other flex "Pond" which is water-resistant. However, the sellers state the following: "Should not be used for permanent installations outdoors – it is only for temporary outdoor use." the light would be permanent, I was thinking of using the standard cable (the grey one) since no cable goes outside. Still, I thought it would be best to ask here first. Pond cable: https://www.screwfix.com/p/nexans-pond-flex-3183p-3-core-1-5mm-10m-black/7451T https://www.screwfix.com/p/nexans-pond-flex-3183p-3-core-0-75mm-25m-black/169fk https://www.toolstation.com/pitacs-weather-resistant-rubber-pond-flex-cable-3183p tl;dr Planning on installing an outside light, no cables will be visible, but I'm unsure which cable/flex to use. Thank you!! PPS, Should I use a RCD Plug? https://www.screwfix.com/p/masterplug-rcd-plug/44855

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4 Answers

Jibest Build

Rating: 5 out of 5

Grimsby

1.) Even if is not the wire oudoor you still need to run a flex cable, if is inside(only if you run surface trunking you can use grey T&E) 2.) Check if water can leak where the vent is in windy days. You have to extend the cable and normaly for outdoor use water proof box or if all the connection is inside that not a problem. 3.) If you have that double socket where light will be plug protected already by RCD into main consumer box you don't need RDC socket. use a normal one that isfine. Is quite oggy to have duo RCD protection for a light, and sometime cause problem tripping very often. 4.) Make sure you don't forget to change the fuse with 5Amp. Hope this help.

Answered30 January 2020

Anonymous user

Hi if you are unsure i would leave it to a qualified person. Best to be safe

Answered30 January 2020

MCR ELECTRICAL SERVICES LTD

Rating: 5 out of 5

Manchester

Hi, you can use twin & earth gray sheathed cable 1.5mm for the light and as he mentioned above don't forget to replace the fuse to 3amp better but 5amp max. As it is outdoor light RCD might annoy you depends on light and installation quality. thanks

Answered3 February 2020

Anonymous user

As it is going to be plugged in via a 5amp fused in plug top that means that it is not a perminant and can easily be isolated by removing plug etc . I assume you are going to join via connector block inside vent duct. Pretty bad practice I would use a wago ip rated box and wago flex connectors.

Answered4 February 2020