wiring multiple led downlights

[Michael Jones]

Hi. A DIYer here.
This may seem like a simple issue, but I can't find a clear answer:
When wiring up say, 6, LED downlights (230 volts, 5 watts each), should they be wired in series or parallel?
If in parallel, how should they be connected to the mains cable, bearing in mind that screw-type connectors are not allowed in inaccessible areas. Is there a special kind of (non-screw) junction box that will accommodate multiple cables?
Thanks

 

[suffolkspark]

Just imagine a daisy chain.... 2 cables In and out of same light until you get to the 6th which will only have 1 cable

 

[Michael Jones]

Thanks Suffolkspark. So for a daisy chain, to be legal, you would need a separate junction box for each lamp?

 

[mhar]

With a lot of makes it is very clear. LENNEL, NELNEL, LENLEN etc are not brand names, it is how and where you terminate the conductors

 

[Michael Jones]

Thanks mhar - point taken, but the reason I'm asking this is that one of my bedrooms has 6 led downlights that have simply been wired in parallel using chocbox and tape inside the ceiling. I know this is not legal, but is it safe? If so, can I simply replace the chocbox and tape with a "maintenance free" junction box?
Thanks for your patience.

 

[telectrix]

you use the fitting itself as your junction box. some are screw and some push-in, but either will do as the joint is accessible by dropping the light out. the black square bit at top of pic. is the junction/connection box. your T/E ( 1.0mm) goes straight in.

 

[davesparks]

I know this is not legal, but is it safe? .

No it is not safe, but what makes you say it is not legal?

 

[Michael Jones]

Thanks everyone for your help. I get the idea, but I'm just a bit surprised that something as common as wiring for 230v led downlights is not all over the internet. Perhaps it's considered too obvious to bother with. Anyway, daisy chain it is.

Davesparks. I thought that connections using screws are not allowed to be used in inaccessible areas, e.g. above the ceiling. Perhaps I misunderstood. Thanks.

 

[telectrix]

maybe the tape was stolen.

 

[telectrix]

I thought that connections using screws are not allowed to be used in inaccessible areas, e.g. above the ceiling.

sealed above ceiling ( where you'd need to either cut ceiling or take up a board upstairs) is inaccessible. when you can access the joint easily by just pulling the downlight out of it's rabbit hole is accessible

 

[Midwest]

Choc boxes are totally unsafe and illegal (citation westwood10).

 

[telectrix]

Choc boxes are totally unsafe and illegal (citation westwood10).

disagree. i like the black magic, except for nuts and coconut

 

[Midwest]

Fruit & nut for me.

 

[telectrix]

old jamaica but the buggers have scrapped it. probablybecause some council jobsworth says they need a liquor licence as it'0.00005 % alcohol.

 

[Midwest]

The Rum & raisin one? Still available, probably without the rum.