Outdoor light installation

[cabby]

I want to uplight a tree with a spotlight (seen a 80w model). The tree is approx. 3m from the house + there is a hole already in the wall left by a previous sky installation. Handily this is right next to a double socket.

Is it OK/safe to plug straight into the socket?

[saab]

Interested in your post because I am thinking about having some outside lights put in.

I doubt that a permanent arrangement as you have describe would be acceptable.

If there is an existing hole through the wall and a socket on the other side it should be straightforward to have a proper connection run to the outside, with a switch indoors or a waterproof switch outside. Day's work max?

[cruiser647]

I put up some security lights by my garage, and rather than wire them into the Consumer Unit in the garage, I used a mains extension and plugged them in. Each one had it's own 5 amp fuse.

Also, drilled through the wall at an agle to stop water flowing in when it rains, and also used outside sealant to plug the holes.

Quite easy and not even an afternoon's work.

(edited for spelling!!! )

[Biscuits]

What kind of light is it your looking at using? If it's a mains lamp, then TECHNICALY you need a Part P registered electrician to install the cabling, as you are introducing a new circit in a "wet" environment (kitchen, bathroom, garden, etc).

However, if your plugging an "extension lead in" you are O-K-A-Y

I would use an RCD plug, like you'd use on an outdoor extension lead, rather than a standard fused plug.

The other way is to use Low Voltage lighting, where you'll have a transformer inside and run a 12/24v (low voltage) cable out into the garden and power a LV lamp(s). These are electricaly safe and won't get you into trouble.

HTH

[cabby]

Thanks for the responses folks. Basedo on these I think I will go for a) a low voltage option, or b) get somone in to do a proper job a fit an outisde unit.

I guess the certification thing is generally a good thing but can be a pain in the arse. I asked a friend last year about putting power in the garage and whilst he could do it with his eyes shut (he does commerical work and was fitting out a BMW dealer at the time) he did warn me about this. As it was a rental property I decided not to bother in the end.

[mb]

I've done quite a bit of electrical work & consider I can do most things safely but would be wary of outside/inside work.

Whilst the extension lead through the wall would certainly work (just like passing the lead through the window would) the thing you have to think about is nothing deteriorating/going wrong etc. so it still works (safely) years down the line and that is why we have electrical regs...

[Calm Chris]

If the socket that you intend to connect to is protected by an RCD at the fuse board then you have no need to add further RCD protection via an RCD plug device.

As mentioned the cable going through the wall should slope upwards to prevent water running along the cable and in to the house, the cable should also have a drip loop (a simple loop below the entry hole) to discourage water running along the cable.

As for regs v DIY, by keeping the run on a plug technically it's a temporary / appliance style fitting and would not require a Part P sign off.

Cable should be 3 core Arctic flex (only available in blue or yellow) or rubber sheathed, make sure it's not likely to get damaged via foot traffic, squirrels, rats, spades, lawn mower, garden tools etc..

I'm Part P qualified and have completed / passed the new 17th Edition exams.