Fire rated downlights

[ricosuave]

How do you run the cable, and wire downlights, because the ones I was looking at say's they need a tranformer for each one, so if I was fitting about 16 that seems like a lot of transformers, Im confused can anyone put me straight?

 

[BluSparx]

are they mains rated / 12v

 

[ricosuave]

yes mains rated/12v 50watt lights and transformer

 

[IQ Electrical]

How do you run the cable, and wire downlights, because the ones I was looking at say's they need a tranformer for each one, so if I was fitting about 16 that seems like a lot of transformers, Im confused can anyone put me straight?

There are transformer ratings that allow more than 1 luminaire to be connected but these are prone to various problems and in my experience, you are far better with individual transformers or mains voltage lighting.

 

[BluSparx]

yes mains rated/12v 50watt lights and transformer

due to being 12v this is why it says 1 transformer per downlight, as above post it is best to install this way anyway as if a fault on one then you can see where it is where as if there was say 5 connected to one transformer how would you know which was at fault without testing all - and this can be a long drawn process.

Keep it simple follow manufacturers instructions and you can't fail

 

[ricosuave]

But how would you run the cable to supply say 16 transformers? Rough diagram would be helpful.

 

[cbw]

With the greatest of respect, you would run the cables the same way as if it were 16 lights, I do not really understand the question? Surely you know how to wire a light?

I cannot help but feel you should employ the services of an electrician.

 

[ricosuave]

I dont know if you understand what I mean, 16 lights 16 transformers in 1 room, so would you have to use a junction box to connect each transformer?

 

[BluSparx]

I dont know if you understand what I mean, 16 lights 16 transformers in 1 room, so would you have to use a junction box to connect each transformer?

I take it your not a qualified sparky as this is a basic question that anyone qualified and competent would know the answer too.

If your not and here asking how to wire something in then as previously said by another member employ an electrician how would you feel if you wired it incorrectly and then the house caught fire and due to not having the work completed professionally and signed off with an EIC or MWC the insurance company refused to pay out

 

[ricosuave]

im at college doin 2330 but for some reason you dont do much practical and your not shown much, so if your not told how to and you havent seen it done how you gonna find out unless anyone shows you or tells you.

 

[BluSparx]

Certainly something that you should not be attempting on your own then if your not qualified I'm sure things like this will come up on your course as it is basic design and installation and was certainly covered on my L2 course.

I think the best advice we can all give here is maybe approach a local contractor in your area explain your at college and looking for some practical lessons as an apprentice I am sure somebody will take you under their wings and give you all the advice you need.

 

[IQ Electrical]

You would wire the circuit as you would any other but at each luminaire, you use a junction box to allow connection of the transformer flex.

 

[ricosuave]

To be honest the course is nearly all theory, i really want to be a spark and have written and emailed tons of companies and even offered to work for free for a period of time and havent had any replies, so dont know what else to do, unless there just isn't much work about.
So can you see my dilema?

 

[malcolmsanford]

As IQ above said if you have a centre light remove that and connect the cables into a maintenance free junction box. Then take a loop of S/L-N-E to the next light, fit a smaller maintenace free junction box one side with another loop out and then a flex to the TX and then into your downlighter. Carry on to each light.

 

[Damon]

im at college doin 2330 but for some reason you dont do much practical and your not shown much, so if your not told how to and you havent seen it done how you gonna find out unless anyone shows you or tells you.

I did a year at college before I got any real life site work and my first impression was.......

"WHAT ON EARTH DID I GO TO COLLEGE FOR TO LEARN WHAT IM DOIN HERE, YOU COULD TRAIN A MONKEY TO BE A DOMESTIC ELECTRICIAN ON NEW BUILDS"

with hindsight I now wish id worked as a mate before I enrolled at college and even then id have jumped onto Level 3 2330 and NVQ Level 3 if I could have as this is what the JiB want, They wont even put my 2330 level 2 and nvq level 2 quals on my JiB card so whats the point in gettn em?

 

[BlueToBits]

Electrical installation is a skilled trade. You can't become skilled it by sitting in a classroom. Nor can you lean it with two weeks work experience. Apprenticeships are typically 4 years on site with day release at college. That's usually what it takes. There are exceptions as some are naturally gifted at it. the vast majority have to knuckle serve their time. The industry is suffering at the moment more that at any time in most of us can remember. It's hard to get in to it. It's even harder to stay in it. I'm sitting here typing at the PC because I have not much on today. I have to find something for the lads to do when they get back in about 10 minutes. The vans are clean. The store room is tidy, so they'll get an early dart today, but they will have to make up for it tomorrow

 

[RogertheBodger]

I Presume you have your lights and transformers (or a sample) so you know how they connect together, all you need to do now is to get mains voltage from the switch to each transformer. unfortunately this is the part that you will not learn at college, how to wire them depends on variables like the layout of the room, obstacles to wiring etc. each Electrician would do it a little differently.