Uplighters in patio

[Lillpete]

I'm currently trying to price up for a lady who wants about 8 uplights in her paved patio (the builders are going to dig up the current concrete slab then I'll have access to the area before they lay some sort of slabs) I am planning to run from an rcd fused spur in a conveiniently located lean to shed via a remote control switch, but unsure of the best way to run the rest swa with underground connections?? How do you go about installing the uplights as it's not something I've been involved in before. Also really not sure on timescale or material costs?? I've told her the price will be for supplies only and the lights when chosen will be extra

 

[Andy™]

depends entirely on the lights. you may be able to loop in/out of the light with the SWA, or you may have to resin branch joint below the light, and take a smaller cable to the fitting, or something in between

 

[a1spark]

As Andy says....your first descicion has got to be on which design of light fitting is to be chosen in terms of its electrical connection requirements / layout....It would be preferable to avoid underground connections if at all possible.

 

[binky]

Might be worth considering running individual cables to each lighting point from waterproof enclosure at edge of patio. I say this because in my experience most outdoor light fittings have poor provision for terminating SWA or syflex, or looping in-out between fittings, so would also be considering conduit and probably 3 core flex. You would also need to have a look at how wet the ground is, as you have to seal against rising water:_|

I recently did some maintenace work os recessed floor lights which were wired in conduit and flex, but the fittings themselves had an outer 'pot' to which cables were run in conduit and flex. The actual light was an ip rated enclosure that then dropped into the pot. Whatever you do, good communication with the builder will be essential.

 

[green-hornet]

I have just done some first fix for some, and a right pain in the preverbial.

I have used Swa in and out of an adaptable box, the inside is gel sealed because its underground. Its a two pack gel, so you mix it then pour and is set after a little while.

The best part about this seal is that you can re-work it then just pour more gel in to seal again. I have used Ho7 cable to the light fittings.

 

[Lillpete]

I was planning on running the cables just under the slabs is this ok or do they still need to be 500mm deep??

 

[binky]

No one is likely to drill slabs so would consider OK, however you do need cables to be out of the way of builder's size 10 boots so would dig down a bit if possible

 

[green-hornet]

I was planning on running the cables just under the slabs is this ok or do they still need to be 500mm deep??

Too much pressure on the cables and the slabs may rock a bit when sand/cement washes away.

They do not need to be buried because its under a contruction unlikly to be disturbed, and certainly will not be dug up. I would still use marker tape to indicate buried cables though.

 

[green-hornet]

No one is likely to drill slabs so would consider OK, however you do need cables to be out of the way of builder's size 10 boots so would dig down a bit if possible

Thats what I meant to say

 

[Lillpete]

Thanks, when I said just under I did mean a few inches under not just laid on the ground :Blushing

How much am i looking at cost wise per light using adaptable box with sealer presumably its best to use suitable IP plastic box with earth continuity of armour maintained inside the box??

 

[green-hornet]

The gel is a bit expensive I got two boxes of it and only managed to seal 6 adaptable boxes, I think it cost about