Installation of kitchen unit downlights.

[ZippyMo]

Hi guys

Its your trainee sparky here.

Just a quick question,
If I was to install downlights in a kitchen unit to illuminate the worktop, where would I get the supply from?
A guy I was speaking to who isn't a sparky said its best to get it from the nearest kitchen socket to where the lights are to be installed.
I've tried googling the circuit layout but can't seem to find one.

Any help would be appreciated.

Zippy

 

[Squid]

Personally I'd run a fresh circuit instead of piggy backing off a socket.

 

[Pete999]

I take Zippy, that this is a new installation? so in effect you are staring from scratch?
The easiest way would be to Spur from the nearest socket outlet, you will need to ensure that the socket you spur from is NOT a spur, so you will need to prove this.
From the spur fit a Switched Fused Spur, from this spu run the wiring to the under cabinet lights.
Or you could, if possible come fro the existing kitchen lighting circuit, you mentioned in your original post that you are a Trainee Electrician, at what stage are you at in your training? If you are attending a training course then apply via the staff for access to the trainee area lots of trainees in there, some good Mentors, and you can ask any question you like without getting the Micky taken out of your question.

 

[JAWS]

I take Zippy, that this is a new installation? so in effect you are staring from scratch?
The easiest way would be to Spur from the nearest socket outlet, you will need to ensure that the socket you spur from is NOT a spur, so you will need to prove this.
From the spur fit a Switched Fused Spur, from this spu run the wiring to the under cabinet lights.
Or you could, if possible come fro the existing kitchen lighting circuit, you mentioned in your original post that you are a Trainee Electrician, at what stage are you at in your training? If you are attending a training course then apply via the staff for access to the trainee area lots of trainees in there, some good Mentors, and you can ask any question you like without getting the Micky taken out of your question.

Morning Pete trainee question here.

When you say prove a Spur is not a Spur would this be achieved by testing line to line in the socket you wish to Spur off?

 

[Pete999]

Morning Pete trainee question here.

When you say prove a Spur is not a Spur would this be achieved by testing line to line in the socket you wish to Spur off?

How do you mean line to line testing? I suppose you could go along the tack of removing the socket off of the back box, to see how many cables are in there, of course that wouldn't be a fail safe method, R1+R2 test would be the best method, are you familiar with RFC testing?

 

[Octopus]

Morning Pete trainee question here.

When you say prove a Spur is not a Spur would this be achieved by testing line to line in the socket you wish to Spur off?

If there is only 1 cable, then its a spur,

If there are 2 cables, you need to check ring continuity with the 6 cores disconnected from the socket, it could already be a spur off a spur, so don't assume 2 cables (6 cores) means a ring

 

[JAWS]

Thanks Pete & Murdoch

 

[Octopus]

Thanks Pete & Murdoch

This is very basic stuff ............ is this for a paying customer?

 

[ZippyMo]

I take Zippy, that this is a new installation? so in effect you are staring from scratch?
The easiest way would be to Spur from the nearest socket outlet, you will need to ensure that the socket you spur from is NOT a spur, so you will need to prove this.
From the spur fit a Switched Fused Spur, from this spu run the wiring to the under cabinet lights.
Or you could, if possible come fro the existing kitchen lighting circuit, you mentioned in your original post that you are a Trainee Electrician, at what stage are you at in your training? If you are attending a training course then apply via the staff for access to the trainee area lots of trainees in there, some good Mentors, and you can ask any question you like without getting the Micky taken out of your question.

Thanks for that Pete,
I will be starting a C&G Level 2 in September. But I've been building up my practical experience over the years slowly.

 

[Pete999]

Thanks for that Pete,
I will be starting a C&G Level 2 in September. But I've been building up my practical experience over the years slowly.

Good luck with that then.

 

[JAWS]

This is very basic stuff ............ is this for a paying customer?

No mate will be a few years and experience before I let myself loose on a customers property. I am currently at college but taking notes all the while along the way.

 

[Toneyz]

No mate will be a few years and experience before I let myself loose on a customers property. I am currently at college but taking notes all the while along the way.

Seems like you've got your head screwed on and know your limitations of what you are competent at this stage I assume that you know there is a trainee section of the forum which I understand could benefit you All the best with it in September.
P.S. Keep on coming back to the forum between sometimes going off topic pointless pictures & youtube inputs you will find sometimes members can give good information that through their experiences very helpful.

 

[Adam W]

Best to supply from the lighting circuit if you can, then you can turn the lights on as you come into the room and off as you leave, as you would 'normally'.
Sometimes it can be easier to take the supply from the socket, not necessarily 'best'.