fitting a inline switch on light fitting in a cupboard

[stolt]

ive got a double socket in a cupboard (coats/shoes etc) i was going to use 2.5 T&E cable, plug on the end,a inline switch half way up and then the wire going into one of those bulb batten holder type things.

the switch is one of these things, http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Electrical/Accesso...

is that ok or should it be wired in properly on the ring main?

[Wings]

If non metal lampholder, then just 2 core 5 amp flex with a 3 amp fuse in the plug, if metal lampholder then 3 core (earth wire) flex with again 3 amp fuse in plug.

[stolt]

Wings said:

If non metal lampholder, then just 2 core 5 amp flex with a 3 amp fuse in the plug, if metal lampholder then 3 core (earth wire) flex with again 3 amp fuse in plug.

hi, its a plastic, one of these type of things.....http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Electrical/White+Wiring+Accessories/Batten+Holder+T2+Angle/d190/sd2633/p23303

so i can get away with just two core, i have drum of that in the garage.

[Simpo Two]

It's no different from a table lamp, just that the lamp is fixed to the ceiling.

I use a switch like that (for a table lamp) and it works fine - but IIRC a bit fiddly to get the cable clamped properly.

[stolt]

Simpo Two said:

It's no different from a table lamp, just that the lamp is fixed to the ceiling.

I use a switch like that (for a table lamp) and it works fine - but IIRC a bit fiddly to get the cable clamped properly.

yeah thats right now you mention it. So no earth needed as its plastic, so just the two wires from the plug into the switchand then in tot he light fitting, seems simple enough.

thanks

[Mr GrimNasty]

If this is your cupboard in a wet/bathroom and there is a chance of wet hands then common sense says you need a bathroom string pull light switch and a suitable bathroom light fitting and RCD protection.

[Gareth79]

Pretty sure it would need to come off a fused spur box.

Also it might be nicer to put it on a switch so that it comes on when the door is opened.

Edited by Gareth79 on Sunday 24th April 00:36

[stolt]

Mr GrimNasty said:

If this is your cupboard in a wet/bathroom and there is a chance of wet hands then common sense says you need a bathroom string pull light switch and a suitable bathroom light fitting and RCD protection.

hi no this is just a under stairs cupboard that the kids keep there shoes, coats, bags etc...

[stolt]

stolt said:

hi no this is just a under stairs cupboard that the kids keep there shoes, coats, bags etc...

did think about that but then the kids keep leaving the door open!!!

[Simpo Two]

Better idea - find a switch that works when the door is opened. There must a non-locking push to break switch that's safe to use.

[Mr GrimNasty]

Less clever than above, but some light fittings have built in switches, e.g. a little pull-switch cabinet/shaver wall light might do?

[Ganglandboss]

Twin and earth should not be wired into a plug. The conductors are solid and not intended to be used as a flexible cable. That switch is intended for flexible cables and will not take 2.5 T&E, also there will be no fixing on it. Even though there are no metal casings on the switch or lamp holder, you still have to run an earth so 2-core will not do.

The proper way to do it is to fit a fused spur (with a 1amp fuse) and come out of that in 1mm T&E. You can Either wire through the switch or use the 'loop in' method.

[Mr GrimNasty]

He's not going to do it the proper way - have you read the rest of his posts!
Although there is actually no REAL reason why you can't just treat a light as a plug in fitting - which is a lot simpler.

Edited by Mr GrimNasty on Monday 25th April 17:54

[miniman]

Mr GrimNasty said:

He's not going to do it the proper way - have you read the rest of his posts!
Although there is actually no REAL reason why you can't just treat a light as a plug in fitting - which is a lot simpler.

Edited by Mr GrimNasty on Monday 25th April 17:54

Absolutely, providing you use the right kind of flexible cable, not twin & earth.

[Mr GrimNasty]

Which I never suggested you would!

[Wings]

stolt said:

hi, its a plastic, one of these type of things.....http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Electrical/White+Wiring+Accessories/Batten+Holder+T2+Angle/d190/sd2623303

so i can get away with just two core, i have drum of that in the garage.

Yes, just 2 core 5 amp flex, with 3 amp fuse in 3 pin plug. You could missed out on the inline switch had you used a switched plastic lampholder, but the use of the same would have depended on the positioning of the lampholder and the height of the children etc.

[stolt]

Wings said:

Yes, just 2 core 5 amp flex, with 3 amp fuse in 3 pin plug. You could missed out on the inline switch had you used a switched plastic lampholder, but the use of the same would have depended on the positioning of the lampholder and the height of the children etc.

cheers, yeah kids are 4 to 9 so they use the cupboard most for shoes etc so thought i'd put it half way down the wall so they can get to it.

thanks

[cjs]

Use a switched spur.

[ChickPea]

cjs said:

Use a switched spur.

I've just done a wardrobe light, waiting for a push-to-break switch to be delivered, but what I've used is one of these: item 170620228251 on eBay. It's an LED strip light; uses about 5W max, and produces a clear white light equivalent to about 40W halogen.

I'll combine that with this: for an idiot-proof installation.

[stolt]

ChickPea said:

I've just done a wardrobe light, waiting for a push-to-break switch to be delivered, but what I've used is one of these: item 170620228251 on eBay. It's an LED strip light; uses about 5W max, and produces a clear white light equivalent to about 40W halogen.

I'll combine that with this: for an idiot-proof installation.

hi, cant get the links to work, sen the led lights on ebay and wanted some for a boxed in enclosure for the downstairs bathroom.