You are quite correct. I do not have access to or have ever read the actual BS7671 document. The cost of purchase (£90+VAT) is rather high in proportion to the cost of the materials needed for the job. I have seen various documents online that have BS7671 in the title, but seem little more than product brochures with a little technical information added. I am not an electrician, nor do I pretend to be one which is why I initially asked a couple of electricians to have a look at the job. One turned up and said he would send me a quote but I have not heard back from him despite a gentle reminder. I get the impression that perhaps the job is too small to be worthwhile for a professional electrician which leaves me with little choice but to attempt it DIY myself. I have done considerable work in electronics, however I am not an electrician and am not familiar with the regulations so am not assuming anything. I can only repeat what I have been told by people whom I would expect to be in the know. Incidentally, I would be willing to do the course and the qualification exam were it not for the fact that it costs a couple of grand! In any case, I would like the job done properly and safely which is why rather than just bodge it I came on here looking for advice, so please do not ridicule me for that!
I have not heard of H07RN previously, but agree that a flexble cable such as this would be difficult to tack neatly to an outside wall. On the other hand, from what I am understanding here, the twin and earth is not suitable to run outdoors un-shielded as the insulation might crack up eventually?
The lighting would be about 10-12 foot up the wall, so generally beyond the reach of an average person and most animals, although I guess it could still be got at by birds. The wall does get sunlight for some time in the late afternoon/evening, particularly in the summer so that may also be a factor to consider. The installation also combines with adding lights in the conservatory with a double switch next to the conservatory door, with one switch operating the conservatory lights, the other the external lights.
There is an alternative option which is to just replace the existing solar/battery powered light with a couple of new similar low voltage ones and scrap the conservatory lighting. The only problem with that solution is that the existing one lasted maybe a couple of years before the battery started to fail so I can't expect a replacement to fare much better. Mains powered would provide a more permanent solution.
The other choice is to do nothing. If the advice is NOT to do the job myself, then that is what I will do. I DO NOT want to risk any issues with the house insurance or safety which is why I asked for a quote from a qualified electrician in the first place.
. Habit I guess.
