My First Porch Light Install

[R1K]

Hi all 

I wanted to setup a lantern type light with PIR (40-60w) beside my front door into an open porch and I'm just wondering what is the best / safest way to provide power to it. 

On the interior side of the wall is my front hallway and there is an extension socket running from a double power socket which is further into the hallway. 

Could I just drill a hole directly through the wall to exterior, running a cable (cable would be partially hidden from elements within archway of open porch) put a plug socket on the end and plug into the extension ? What type of wire should I be using ? I have this thin grey two core I believe it's called with live (red) neutral (blue) and earth in it. 

Do I have to use any kind of conduit on the outside ? 

Your thoughts please...

Thanks in advance. 

 

[R1K]

Hi all 

I wanted to setup a lantern type light with PIR (40-60w) beside my front door into an open porch and I'm just wondering what is the best / safest way to provide power to it. 

On the interior side of the wall is my front hallway and there is an extension socket running from a double power socket which is further into the hallway. 

Could I just drill a hole directly through the wall to exterior, running a cable (cable would be partially hidden from elements within archway of open porch) put a plug socket on the end and plug into the extension ? What type of wire should I be using ? I have this thin grey two core I believe it's called with live (red) neutral (blue) and earth in it. 

Do I have to use any kind of conduit on the outside ? 

Your thoughts please...

Thanks in advance. 

Also is it safe to plug the porch light into the extension socket ? 

 

[Geoff1946]

What you are suggesting is OK as a short term lash-up, for example for Christmas lights, PROVIDED, the outdoor part is adequately waterproof and secure, and a 3amp fuse is used on it's plug.  It must be wired with a suitable three core insulated flex.

It should not however be regarded as a permanent installation, as portable and loose items such as extension leads are susceptible to deterioration and damage in long term use and can easily become dangerous. 

May I suggest that there are some solar powered PIR outdoor lights available which may meet your need.

 

[R1K]

this is the light I'm intending to use. 



If that way could prove dangerous (in the long term due to the extension) and I wanted the lantern type shown how would I wire this in a safe manner using the route shown in the image ? 

 

[poni]

What you are suggesting is OK as a short term lash-up

the regs don't have a lash-up section, as far as i know the only thing you can relax on in temporary works is the distance between fixings 

but it should also have RCD(30mA) protection at the least 

 

[R1K]

silly question but does the double socket not provide protection via the mains trip box. So if their is a fault with the porch light the extension connected to the main double socket will trip thus providing protection ? 

complete newbie here as you can prob tell. 

How would you recommend this type of light in this location is connected safely ? 

 

[poni]

Yes the socket will protect the fitting if the consumer unit has a 30mA RCD fitted