Hi Guys
I'm hoping someone will be able to help with the following (what to me is) grey area. Unfortunately I don't have the On Site Guide to hand, but I was looking at this last night and the subject of a direct wired outside light was under discussion.
Can't remember page references, think the clause was 3.5.2. An illustration at the back of the guide shows an outside light, actually illustrated as outside a remote shed rather than a house, and then refers back to a clause (maybe 3.5.2).
This clause covers portable equipment etc, but the last entry is an outside light and the general heading of the clause concerns items which need RCD protection with a disconnect time of 0.4 ms. The clause also mentions light fittings where conductive parts are accessible.
My questions are:
If I am fitting an outside light where one has previously been fitted (i e a ciruit already existed to supply this) do I need add RCD protection? The outside light is part of a re-fit of a rear extension in which additional circuits are not being added, but some damaged cabling is being replaced and a return to the CU added for the power circuit (formerly run radially!). The principle cable routing is not changing, so, in my opinion the work does not fall under the remit of part P. However I will have building inspectors around for other works, so comments welcome on the Part P implications! Does a light which is fixed direct to an outside wall, with a cable going straight in from the back qualify for this protection, or is this really aimed at remote lights, such as those used to illuminate pathways? There is also a rider on this clause about the light being outside the equipotential zone. Does this wall mounted fitting fall into this category if the fitting is earthed back via the lighting to the CU? If I fit a double insulated fitting will the requirement for RCD still hold? (Not sure I would get away with a plastic fitting with SWMBO!) If possible can respondents please include references to any answers given, as I would like to have all amunition necessary in case this work is questioned?
Thanks to anyone who's managed to get this far and more to anyone who can shed light!
TIA
Phil