Outdoor lights

[Tctcmichael]

Hello there

I'm after some advice please. I'm a pretty competent DIYer....

We've currently got two outside circuits which are each connected to a

5amp fused switch, and the connected to a socket each with 5amp fuses. The lights are 500/300w floodlights.

I'm ripping them out and want to replace this with two circuits:

1. 3 lanterns with energy saving bulbs (20w) each and LED decking lights (back garden lighting)
2. 2 lanterns on a wired PIR sensor. Again 20w each.

My plan is to use one of the cables from the plug on a 3 or 5amp fuse to a indoor junction box where it splits in two. These will then go to a double switch, then go outside to the lights on the circuits I've described above. I plan to plug this into a RCD attach socket.

I've got a few questions if that's ok?

1. Can I safely run all this stuff off a single socket? If so what fuse rating do I need?
2. I've assumed the fused switch isn't needed as it's fused at the socket. Am I right in thinking this?
3. I don't think I'm changing the outside circuit by doing this..... so don't need to inform the local council?

Thanks in advance for your help

Michael

[John Rumm]

The total load is the key here. It sounds like your total load is going to be less than a couple of hundred watts, so your maximum current draw is likely to be no more than an amp.

Yes - you only need one fuse, the size selected to give adequate fault protection at the furthest reach of your circuit.

Part P no longer includes changes to outside circuits as notifiable anyway.

[meow2222]

Yup. £a or 5A is fine

right

20w on PIR suggests CFL - they might not last well with frequent switching.

NT

[Dave Liquorice]

And they don't like starting when cold. Vary a bit some are OKish others are really dim and dim by CFL "cold", as in heated indoors, cold start light levels.

[The Medway Handyman]

When did that change then?

Gor any details?

[John Rumm]

In the most recent version of the Part P approved doc:

The main changes of note are:

It is now permissible for an approved installer to certify the work of others (previously the only official routes were to self certify, or do a building notice - needless to say that was contrary to the only practical way that most people could work)

Kitchens are no longer included in "special locations" (just bath/shower rooms, sauna, and pool rooms)

So there are now only three stated tasks that are "notifiable"

1 Adding a new circuit 2 Replacing a consumer unit[1] 3 additions and alterations in a special location [1] Its interesting to note that it explicitly uses that phrase rather than simply "installing a consumer unit". This suggests a loophole that once could add an additional CU, and move an exiting circuit to it, and it still not be notifiable)

[meow2222]

then at a later date remove the old one

NT

[The Medway Handyman]

Ta.

[chrisj.doran%proemail.co.uk]

There are CFL security lights designed for outside use. They have two bulbs , one on permanently and the other that adds extra brightness when triggere d by the PIR. As well as covering the notorious slow startup, the former pr esumably keeps things warm inside for the latter. I have one but haven't in stalled it yet, so I can't say how well it works. Maybe LEDs will simplify things.