Installing lighting into outddor concrete steps

[steven11]

Hi, I am just about to build a couple of concrete steps leading up from a patio to a garden path and would like to have a spotlight installed in the centre of each step, does anyone have any advice on how best to do this as I dont want to set the steps in concrete only to be told by an electrician that installing the cable will be a problem

Thanks in advance

Steve

 

[Richard Burns]

Generally having lighting in a solid surface outside is not a good idea because if (or when) the light fails there is very little recourse for repair.
If you do want to do this then have a duct leading from the centre of the step out to the side of the step that will permit a cable to be replaced.
The depth of this duct would be dependent on the style of light you want to install. The run of the duct should be such that any water will drain to the ground not to or over the light fitting or connections.
Where the light is to be placed you would need a recess with enough space for a cable connection and a solid edge on which to mount the light fitting, again the size and shape of space is dependent on the fitting chosen.
The fitting should be able to be removed from the step to allow repair or replacement and there should not be any points where rain water accumulates.

 

[steven11]

Hi Richard, thank you very much for your solid advice, unfortunately I won't be able to install ducting at the side of the step as I have retaining wall either side so the ducting would have to be buried beneath the concrete step, what I plan to do is build the wooden form work and use a piece of polystyrene the same width as the rear of the light and place it where the light would be so when the concrete is set and the forms removed I can remove the temp poly block which would allow the light to be connected possibly ?

 

[Octopus]

What you need is a couple of local competent sparks to come and work with you on this, and BEFORE you start building anything.

Hesitate, or try and cut corners could leave you light less!

 

[telectrix]

what he said^^^.