garden lights

urbanlegend11

hi all hopefully somebody can help.I am currently building some decking at the end of my house and have bought 2 one metre high lights to place on the decking.Am i right in thinking that i can run an individual cable from each light under the patio,through the conservatory wall and then simply plug each one in to a normal socket possibly using an rcd like this http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/9828324.htm on each to protect from damage?or am i completely wrong???

p4u1_2

You should use an RCD of some form. If the lights are permanent I would use a fused RCD spur, similar to a fused switch but with the RCD build in. This is what I used for my pond pump. The wiring to the lights should be protected in some form of conduit and should be waterproof. You maybe able to connect the 2 lights using a waterproof junction box and then only take one wire into the house. There maybe other considerations regarding the current regulations. Not sure, but this maybe affected by part P of the building regulations as it is outside. Have you thought of low voltage lights?

urbanlegend11

Low voltage? hey im just looking for the easiest option so if they make it easier im all for it.What is the advange?sorry im abit of a novice and wondering if i should get somebody in to install?

p4u1_2

Low voltage will require a transformer inside the house to convert 240V to 12V. house. The wiring to the outside is then all low voltage. The cabling may need to be a little bigger to carry the extra current, but as the voltage is just 12V, its much safer. I would check what lighting is available, and the required voltage, before you commit.