Low voltage lighting systems for decking

[Podie]

A few years back we bought some cheap and cheerful solar powered decking lights, but its got to the stage where the rechargeable batteries need replacing.

The cost otf replacing the battieres is quite expensive, so it looks like buying the real deal might be the way forward.

So... does anyone have any recommendations for low voltage systems? I've been looking at Luxform, which seems to fit the bill, but wondered if there were any others - or if people knew of any places to buy bits cheaply..?

TIA

[GreenV8S]

Does it need to be low voltage? I assume you'd hook it up properly with external grade wiring so none of the smoke could escape, and use RCD protection.

[Podie]

The appeal of low voltage is that you don't need armoured cable or trunking.

The power supply to the shed is fully armoured and fitted by a qualified electrician... complete with it's own local RCD - as well as the one that connects to the main RCD.

Low voltage means I can do the install myself, rather than paying for a sparky to do it.

[GreenV8S]

Podie said:

The appeal of low voltage is that you don't need armoured cable or trunking.

You should have told that to the previous owners of my place. Apparently ordinary twin-and-earth is fine outside as long as it's run inside a hose pipe, and a bit of exposed copper here and there is good for the soil. Despite their assurances I decided an RCD might not be a bad idea ...

[Podie]

GreenV8S said:

Podie said:

The appeal of low voltage is that you don't need armoured cable or trunking.

You should have told that to the previous owners of my place. Apparently ordinary twin-and-earth is fine outside as long as it's run inside a hose pipe, and a bit of exposed copper here and there is good for the soil. Despite their assurances I decided an RCD might not be a bad idea ...

[Simpo Two]

GreenV8S said:

and a bit of exposed copper here and there is good for the soil.

Depending on soil pH of course

[Ganglandboss]

Podie said:

The appeal of low voltage is that you don't need armoured cable or trunking.

The power supply to the shed is fully armoured and fitted by a qualified electrician... complete with it's own local RCD - as well as the one that connects to the main RCD.

Low voltage means I can do the install myself, rather than paying for a sparky to do it.

[pedant mode]Low Voltage is mains - I think you mean Extra-low Voltage? [/pedant mode]

Extra-low Voltage lighting installations are classed as special locations unless it is a pre-assembled CE marked kit.

Unfortunately the garden is a special location and there is no dispensation in Part-P for Extra-Low Voltage kits.

[headcase]

If thats the case then part p has gone mental, any idiot can install low voltage (12v) for garden lighting, thats the whole idea of it!
Are you confusing it with SELV? (used for lighting in showers etc..)
Also anything plugged into a socket is NOT covered by Part P, Part P only covers the wiring that is supplying the socket.

[Ganglandboss]

headcase said:

If thats the case then part p has gone mental, any idiot can install low voltage (12v) for garden lighting, thats the whole idea of it!
Are you confusing it with SELV? (used for lighting in showers etc..)
Also anything plugged into a socket is NOT covered by Part P, Part P only covers the wiring that is supplying the socket.

Part-P is mental!

SELV definately is classed as a special location - check the 'Planning Portal' website where you can download the document. Putting something on a plug does not make it exempt unless it is pre-fabricated CE marked equipment - check page 9, item h.

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/br/BR_PDF...

[Podie]

I was referring to the 12V systems - whether that's LW or ELV.

So, two questions:

1) Am I "allowed" to install the myself, or do I need signoff from a Sparky?
2) Any recommendations for 12V systems?

[headcase]

Well put it this way, i would weather i needed it signing off or not.(but i do have considerable installation knowledge)
Reading that document you can install for instance a kit that is sealed and ce marked as previously mentioned.

Edited by headcase on Sunday 28th June 11:10

[Ganglandboss]

Podie said:

1) Am I "allowed" to install the myself, or do I need signoff from a Sparky?

1) Unfortunately you cannot install yourself unless you get building control approval. Although pre-wired kits are normally okay, the garden is classed as a special location. You also have the matter of how to get power out to them to deal with.

Part P is a load of bks, but there's 'Johnny 2 Jags' for you!

[Podie]

Ganglandboss said:

Podie said:

1) Am I "allowed" to install the myself, or do I need signoff from a Sparky?

1) Unfortunately you cannot install yourself unless you get building control approval. Although pre-wired kits are normally okay, the garden is classed as a special location. You also have the matter of how to get power out to them to deal with.

Part P is a load of bks, but there's 'Johnny 2 Jags' for you!

As mentioned earlier, we have power to the top of the garden which has been professionally installed and certified by an electrician. Pukka job with armouted cable and RCD.

Out of curiosity, why do the local garden centres all sell low voltage (sic) lighting suitable for self installation, if Part P doesn't allow it?

At this rate I'll be fitting the parts and getting the sparky back to check it and sign it off.

[Ganglandboss]

Podie said:

Ganglandboss said:

Podie said:

1) Am I "allowed" to install the myself, or do I need signoff from a Sparky?

1) Unfortunately you cannot install yourself unless you get building control approval. Although pre-wired kits are normally okay, the garden is classed as a special location. You also have the matter of how to get power out to them to deal with.

Part P is a load of bks, but there's 'Johnny 2 Jags' for you!

As mentioned earlier, we have power to the top of the garden which has been professionally installed and certified by an electrician. Pukka job with armouted cable and RCD.

Out of curiosity, why do the local garden centres all sell low voltage (sic) lighting suitable for self installation, if Part P doesn't allow it?

At this rate I'll be fitting the parts and getting the sparky back to check it and sign it off.

You cannot legally get a spark to sign it off - he can only self certify his own work. If you do go down this route, make sure he's happy to do it before you start.

The reason garden centres sell the kits is because it isn't illegal to do so and you can legally self install provided you get Building Control to sign it off. Somebody may also buy the kit and pay somebody to install it.

[Podie]

Ganglandboss said:

The reason garden centres sell the kits is because it isn't illegal to do so and you can legally self install provided you get Building Control to sign it off. Somebody may also buy the kit and pay somebody to install it.

Only in the UK...


Thanks for the info, I do appreciate it (although it is frustrating!).

Any recommendations for decent kit?

[Tuna]

I think Gangland boss is rather over stating the case. Most lighting systems sold in garden centres are completely legal and don't need to be notified under part P. See the Part P doc linked above - Page 9, section K:

Paraphrased because it won't let me copy it said:

The installation of pre-fabricated "modular" systems (for instance kitchen lighting systems and armoured garden cabling) linked by plug and socket connectors is not notifiable, provided that products are CE-marked and provided that any final connections in kitchens and special locations are made to existing connection units or points (possibly a 13A socket outlet).

Most of the lighting systems I've seen in garden centres are of the modular type - you get an adaptor that plugs into a socket in the house, individual lights and a set of cables to plug the two together.

Edited by Tuna on Monday 29th June 12:37

[Podie]

Tuna said:

I think Gangland boss is rather over stating the case. Most lighting systems sold in garden centres are completely legal and don't need to be notified under part P. See the Part P doc linked above - Page 9, section K:

Paraphrased because it won't let me copy it said:

The installation of pre-fabricated "modular" systems (for instance kitchen lighting systems and armoured garden cabling) linked by plug and socket connectors is not notifiable, provided that products are CE-marked and provided that any final connections in kitchens and special locations are made to existing connection units or points (possibly a 13A socket outlet).

Most of the lighting systems I've seen in garden centres are of the modular type - you get an adaptor that plugs into a socket in the house, individual lights and a set of cables to plug the two together.

Edited by Tuna on Monday 29th June 12:37

Yeah, the Luxform thing has a transformer, and the cable tracks / lamps run off that.

[ACEparts_com]

http://www.landinglights.co.uk/

remote controlled too!