Lighting circuit from ring main

[diyterry]

I expect it's a big no no but is it permissable to create a new lighting circuit ( just for one light ) from a spur off a ring main?

 

[Andy78]

It is permissible with certain things taken into consideration. A job for an electrician really as the work should be fully tested and a certificate produced.

 

[Risteard]

You're not actually creating a circuit at all - you are simply incorporating lighting into the existing circuit. (Unless you want to argue that the presence of a BS1362 fuse constitutes a new circuit, although most would reject that claim.)

 

[buzzlightyear]

I would take andy78 advice .you are not insured to play with your own electrics .
ring you insurance company and hear what they have to say.

 

[Eckaslike]

Cant see the problem, ive come across outside lights connected to a sw/f/spur from the kit ringmail. As long as the fuse is 3 of 5 amp .

 

[mickfred]

As long as the cable current carrying cap is above 13 amps then if reading are good does not matter what fuse you put in

 

[telectrix]

and as long as the Mersey flows into Liverpool bay, it don't matter what you throw in it.

 

[diyterry]

Thank you all for your advice, I'll have to have a ponder.

 

[diyterry]

I would take andy78 advice .you are not insured to play with your own electrics .
ring you insurance company and hear what they have to say.

According to my insurance company they won't

You're not actually creating a circuit at all - you are simply incorporating lighting into the existing circuit. (Unless you want to argue that the presence of a BS1362 fuse constitutes a new circuit, although most would reject that claim.)

I see what you mean, thanks

 

[diyterry]

As long as the cable current carrying cap is above 13 amps then if reading are good does not matter what fuse you put in

What equipment do you need for doing the testing?

 

[buzzlightyear]

According to my insurance company they won't

what?

 

[diyterry]

what?

Sorry bad case of too large thumbs on the phone. If I have any work done on the house by me or a professional it invalidates the insurance !

 

[Des 56]

What equipment do you need for doing the testing?

An approved voltage tester
Insulation resistance and Continuity tester
Pfc and earth loop impedance tester
Rcd tester

The usual Diy tester is one of those neon screwdriver things
Its about £200 each for most of the above,as a ball park figure.You could also get a meter with lots more multi function capabilities for the various tests,however, they are anywhere from £600-£800 ish

 

[diyterry]

An approved voltage tester
Insulation resistance and Continuity tester
Pfc and earth loop impedance tester
Rcd tester

The usual Diy tester is one of those neon screwdriver things
Its about £200 each for most of the above,as a ball park figure.You could also get a meter with lots more multi function capabilities for the various tests,however, they are anywhere from £600-£800 ish

I better start saving my pennies

 

[The Ghost]

house by me or a professional it invalidates the insurance !

Must say that's a bit harsh even a professional can't do work.

 

[diyterry]

Must say that's a bit harsh even a professional can't do work.

Some insurance companies have that policy. I think it's because i'am doing it up and not always here, other insurance companies set a financial limit. They ask what you plan to do to a house and how much it will cost, if it's over a certain amount they will not insure you. One insurance company wouldn't insure the house because I said I was planning to change the kitchen. It's a minefield you've got to ask questions and read the small print.

 

[Andy78]

Some insurance companies have that policy. I think it's because i'am doing it up and not always here, other insurance companies set a financial limit. They ask what you plan to do to a house and how much it will cost, if it's over a certain amount they will not insure you. One insurance company wouldn't insure the house because I said I was planning to change the kitchen. It's a minefield you've got to ask questions and read the small print.

So your insurance company says that if you get professionals to maintain or alter anything in your property this will void your insurance ?
If that is true it's time to get new insurers.

 

[telectrix]

think OP meant to say non-professional.

 

[Sparkgap]

I expect it's a big no no but is it permissable to create a new lighting circuit ( just for one light ) from a spur off a ring main?

Used to be done everywhere in schools many years ago: each classroom had its lighting off the ring through a fused spur.

 

[diyterry]

So your insurance company says that if you get professionals to maintain or alter anything in your property this will void your insurance ?
If that is true it's time to get new insurers.

After contacting ten or fifteen companies I found one with a more realistic attitude to house renovation and they got my money.