John P
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| posted on 28/7/12 at 03:47 PM |
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Adding a Timer to External Lighting
I have some existing external lighting which is wired in 1.5mm 3-core SWA which runs back to a small consumer unit in the garage but has never been
terminated.
Ideally I would like to connect this including suitable isolation and also a timer to bring the lights on at night and off at around midnight.
In the past I did work in the electrical department of a large factory doing relatively simple industrial installations so have some experience but
I'm not up to date on regulations and not Part P approved. I know I should get someone with Part P to do the work but at the moment I have
time but not money so will have to do it myself or not at all.
Anyway, coming on to the queries, I was considering mounting a DP Switch and timer into a suitable enclosure connecting the SWA into this and then
running a short length of cable from the enclosure into the consumer unit. Does this seem the best solution or is there a better way? Would I be
better to use a Power Breaker RCD spur rather than a simple switch? (the consumer unit is relatively new so it includes an RCD and MCB's).
I am thinking I would need to mount both the switch and timer so they could be accessed without having to open the enclosure to facilitate isolation
if necessary and also allow easy access to adjust the timer.
Any help or suggestions including part numbers of recommended components would be much apprecaited.
John.
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I predict a Riot
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| posted on 28/7/12 at 06:20 PM |
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Ensure that you wire the circuit back to your garage consumer unit and connect it to a type B 6amp circuit breaker.
An RCD is not a requirement for this installation unless you have an earth rod (TT) earthing system but if you have a RCD main switch in the consumer
unit that's OK.
When I do this type of job I use a cheap pin style timer such as are sold to control immersion heaters.
Make sure that you use the correct termination glands for the SWA cable so that the armour is earthed. I would use a metal adaptable box at the timer
end or a conduit through box.
This is not subject to Part P if you are only fixing to the structure of the building.
You obviously would be far better off using an approved electrical contractor and I understand that you may think that we are expensive but you may be
suprised. Remember most companies will quote for free.
Adrian
"Honesty is a very expensive gift. Do not expect it from cheap people ". Warren Buffet on Expectation
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