recommended code for using connector strip

arashabb · Jun 9, 2025

hello everyone,
what code would you give if you see multiple usage of connector strips above the false ceiling?! ( to connect ceiling lights together,...etc without using any junction box)

Thanks

westward10 · Jun 9, 2025

If this is mains LV what is your opinion?

Brother Blue · Jun 9, 2025

If they are loose and unenclosed then presumably there is also exposed basic insulation?

So I would have thought it would be fair to describe it as potentially dangerous

bill01803 · Jun 9, 2025

C1 as exposed live parts in connectors if it isn't in a box

littlespark · Jun 9, 2025

As Westy says… is it LV?

It could be 12V between downlights…. Where it needn’t be coded.
If it’s mains voltage, then agree C1…

I’d be checking cpc continuity while I’m there.

westward10 · Jun 9, 2025

Even ELV should be contained and is a non compliance.
Personally I would C2 it.

arashabb · Jun 10, 2025

thanks mates, yes , 220 V into connector strip, wrapped with insulation tape

baldelectrician · Jun 10, 2025

https://www.----------------------------/professional-resources/best-practice-guides/#g4

Page 15

I would also C2 this

Pretty Mouth · Jun 10, 2025

westward10 said:
Even ELV should be contained and is a non compliance.

For protection against shock, at least, I thought that this wasn't always required, based on 414.4.5. Is there another reason that they might need enclosing, hidden away in the depths of the regs somewhere?

Basic protection is generally unnecessary in normal dry conditions for:
(i)SELV circuits where the nominal voltage does not exceed 25 V AC or 60 V DC
(ii)PELV circuits where the nominal voltage does not exceed 25 V AC or 60 V DC and exposed-conductive-
parts and/or the live parts are connected by a protective conductor to the main earthing terminal.
In all other cases, basic protection is not required if the nominal voltage of the SELV or PELV system does not
exceed 12 V AC or 30 V DC.

westward10 · Jun 10, 2025

Pretty Mouth said:
For protection against shock, at least, I thought that this wasn't always required, based on 414.4.5. Is there another reason that they might need enclosing, hidden away in the depths of the regs somewhere?

Basic protection is generally unnecessary in normal dry conditions for:
(i)SELV circuits where the nominal voltage does not exceed 25 V AC or 60 V DC
(ii)PELV circuits where the nominal voltage does not exceed 25 V AC or 60 V DC and exposed-conductive-
parts and/or the live parts are connected by a protective conductor to the main earthing terminal.
In all other cases, basic protection is not required if the nominal voltage of the SELV or PELV system does not
exceed 12 V AC or 30 V DC.

Fair point which goes against my thinking of Regulation 526.5

arashabb · Jun 11, 2025

baldelectrician said:
View attachment 122298

https://www.----------------------------/professional-resources/best-practice-guides/#g4

Page 15

I would also C2 this

thank you

James · Jun 12, 2025

Pretty Mouth said:
For protection against shock, at least, I thought that this wasn't always required, based on 414.4.5. Is there another reason that they might need enclosing, hidden away in the depths of the regs somewhere?

Basic protection is generally unnecessary in normal dry conditions for:
(i)SELV circuits where the nominal voltage does not exceed 25 V AC or 60 V DC
(ii)PELV circuits where the nominal voltage does not exceed 25 V AC or 60 V DC and exposed-conductive-
parts and/or the live parts are connected by a protective conductor to the main earthing terminal.
In all other cases, basic protection is not required if the nominal voltage of the SELV or PELV system does not
exceed 12 V AC or 30 V DC.

This question actually came up on my niceic interrogation session.

why should all connections for downlighters be suitably enclosed, even if they are SELV?

my response was that it is obviously not to protect against shock so therefore must be to protect against fire.
by enclosing the connections, it is likely to contain the heat generated by a loose connection and prevent a fire from propagating.

many updates to the regs have passed since then, including the requirement for maintenance free connections where access is not possible.
however the physics of it have not changed, remember of course that a 12v light will draw 20 x as much current as a 240v light so heat generation at a poor joint will be significantly greater.

westward10 · Jun 12, 2025

It was in an old GN1 that connections should be enclosed regardless of voltage.

Simon47 · Jun 19, 2025

James said:
my response was that it is obviously not to protect against shock so therefore must be to protect against fire.
by enclosing the connections, it is likely to contain the heat generated by a loose connection and prevent a fire from propagating.

These days, I'd not put much faith in that. Back when JBs were bakelite maybe; but with many of the modern ones that struggle to hold their shape cold, I don't think so.