Brick Lights. SWA terminating.

James Royston · Jan 22, 2019

Hello all,
Just after some guidance, i am a qualified Auto Electrician with a good number of years behind me. While confident in my own ability in domestic applications i am not fully aware of the Regs.

I am planning on installing 3 or 4 (mind not made up yet) brick lights in my garden wall parallel with my drive.

I intend on running 1.5mm SWA along the wall clipped with SWA cleats which will be circa 400mm above the level of the soil in the garden looping in and out of wiska Junction Boxes with the correct earthed glands etc.

The question is am i then OK to run flex (maybe pond flex) from the junction box through the wall to the back of the brick light. The wall is 2 bricks thick (double thickness) i will use the correct glad on the flex.
(The picture below shows the lay out if it uploads ok.) Credit Google image search

Thank you
James.

telectrix · Jan 22, 2019

can't see a problem with your suggested method. bear in mind the circuit needs to be RCD protected (18th Ed.), so be wary of possible water ingress. ( unless of course, you designed it pre Jan. 1st. 2019.

.)

James Royston · Jan 22, 2019

Super thank you very much.
That has confirmed my thoughts on the matter.

The feed for these lights is from a spare 6A RCD in the house consumer unit.
Up to a switch in the cupboard under the stairs.
Back down under the under drawing in to a junction box, at this point it will change from 1.5mm T&E to the 1.5mm SWA. secured with the relevant cable clips/cleats.
Pass out through the house wall to the outside under the flagging in conduit before emerging at the garden wall.

A032701 · Jan 22, 2019

If they are on a rcbo or rcd of themselves that would be better as it is prone to tripping due to water ingress. this would prevent half your house tripping aswell unnecessarily

HappyHippyDad · Jan 22, 2019

James Royston said:
Hello all,
Just after some guidance, i am a qualified Auto Electrician with a good number of years behind me. While confident in my own ability in domestic applications i am not fully aware of the Regs.

I am planning on installing 3 or 4 (mind not made up yet) brick lights in my garden wall parallel with my drive.

I intend on running 1.5mm SWA along the wall clipped with SWA cleats which will be circa 400mm above the level of the soil in the garden looping in and out of wiska Junction Boxes with the correct earthed glands etc.

The question is am i then OK to run flex (maybe pond flex) from the junction box through the wall to the back of the brick light. The wall is 2 bricks thick (double thickness) i will use the correct glad on the flex.
(The picture below shows the lay out if it uploads ok.) Credit Google image search

Thank you
James.

View attachment 47328

Your picture doesn't make it clear if the 'banjo' has been used in the SWA terminations. It will be needed in order to earth the armour.
Edit.. Actually your picture couldn't make it more clear that you have earthed them so please ignore the above!

James Royston · Jan 22, 2019

Thank you for your advice,
Yes the lights will be on there own 6A RDC as i have a spare in the house Consumer Unit, so will utilise this for the proposed outside brick lights, I do have 3 outside wall lights (2 LED Floods on PIR and one Dawn till Dusk these or at least the wiring were already there when i moved in, these are on one of the existing 6A lighting rings.)

I am intending on using 1.5mm² 3 core SWA so will obviously use the earth core and earth the SWA armour through the banjo fittings, as shown in the image. Is soldering them acceptable as shown? i had the understanding that solder was not used on domestic / 240v applications.

As long as everyone agrees that i am ok to run the lamp feed from the wiska junction box to the light with pond flex or a simular cable, as it will only have a very small amount exposed between the junction box and were the flex disappears in to the wall then i am happy

SparkyChick · Jan 22, 2019

alban moffitt said:
If they are on a rcbo or rcd of themselves that would be better as it is prone to tripping due to water ingress. this would prevent half your house tripping aswell unnecessarily

Personally I'd use a double pole switch so as to prevent that issue.

Wilko · Jan 22, 2019

Hi - You've done a nice job of soldering

.
If I was doing this I'd lash out on a second nut on the inside so the banjo is locked between them. It turns out the plastic has been known to creep away over time and the pressure comes off the connection.

A032701 · Jan 22, 2019

i would advise buying one of these :https://www.NoLinkingToThis/p/earthing-nut-20mm-pack-of-2/77809
one end of the earth cable coming from the swa then has to be crimped into an o - shaped crimp
the crimped end is then screwed into the earthing nut and the other goes to the earth terminal.
this saves soldering and time and is also a very secure connection.

Deleted member 26818 · Jan 22, 2019

I would bury the cables and adaptable boxes in the ground and just run the flex up the wall.
Fill the adaptable boxes with a gel to prevent moisture ingress.
SWA glands should be the CW type.

A032701 · Jan 22, 2019

you will want an ip65 rated gland size 20s for 1.5mm 3 core cable

James Royston · Jan 22, 2019

The earthing nuts look like a good idea. And also act as a lock nut. I’d make a small earthing strap with a crimped ring connector to run from the banjo screw to the Earth terminal block, and attach the earth cable in the sea to the nut also with a crimped ring connector.I’m happy to solder as it’s something I’d done a lot of over the years,but would be more of a fiddle when working in the garden over soil.

With regards to burying the cable this would be a neater option. Am I ok with regards to the Regulations to then run the flex up out of the soil and in to the wall. I thought a 240v cable would have to be armoured if any of it was underground, I apologise if I seem like I’m doubting you as I’m really not. I just want to make sure it’s all safe and in accordance.

Deleted member 26818 · Jan 22, 2019

James Royston said:
The earthing nuts look like a good idea. And also act as a lock nut. I’d make a small earthing strap with a crimped ring connector to run from the banjo screw to the Earth terminal block, and attach the earth cable in the sea to the nut also with a crimped ring connector.I’m happy to solder as it’s something I’d done a lot of over the years,but would be more of a fiddle when working in the garden over soil.

With regards to burying the cable this would be a neater option. Am I ok with regards to the Regulations to then run the flex up out of the soil and in to the wall. I thought a 240v cable would have to be armoured if any of it was underground, I apologise if I seem like I’m doubting you as I’m really not. I just want to make sure it’s all safe and in accordance.

Yes the flex should be in some flexible conduit, while it’s under the ground.

suffolkspark · Jan 23, 2019

Just to pick up on one quick thing.... Is the circuit RCD protected? You mention its on its own 6A RCD but you probably mean MCB, just check if its an RCBO then all is well, or if its an MCB then its on a section of the board with an 30mA RCanin front of it

James Royston · Jan 23, 2019

Sorry Yes you are correct its on it will be on its own 6A MCB not RCD i get confused between the two.
I will check tonight if its an RCBO type or if it has a 30mA RCA in front of it.
I might upload a picture for you kind people to help me.