Deck Lighting Question

[smith.james0]

Hi, I am looking at low voltage decking lighting, i would need two 'kits' so I would join the two transformer feed cables in a weather proof box under the decking. The feed to this box would come from the garage (the decking butts up to the wall so the cable would run down the wall and under the decking) would this cable need to be armored? 

James

 

[Manator]

Its all down to mechanical protection. This is to prevent damage to any cable. If your cable run is below the decking level then the only protection it would require would be against things like rain and perhaps frost.

Armoured cable is used when external influences suggest it may be damaged by any type of impact, or, direct puncture.

It is hard to give advise for any DIY project because we have not been given the chance to fully survey the installation. For instance armoured cable may be the best solution to your problem because an electrician would be able to foresee a problem using his or her experiences over the years.

Do not forget that under your decking is a haven for wild life, and if you use a barbecue there may be problems with falling embers, spillages and such like.

If in doubt use armoured, its not that more expensive than other cables and will last far longer than most.

 

[smith.james0]

I understand the point around impact damage / BBQ. But the kit has normal flex to the transformer which would be susceptible to the wildlife damage, so even if I used armored cable there is still a weak point.

James

 

[Andy™]

use pyro

 

[Richard-the-Ninth]

I understand the point around impact damage / BBQ. But the kit has normal flex to the transformer which would be susceptible to the wildlife damage, so even if I used armored cable there is still a weak point.

James

But did you not say

 ...............would join the two transformer feed cables in a weather proof box under the decking. 

James