Installation of 220V downlights

**123** · 09-Feb-11, 07:50 PM

Originally posted by AndyD

^^^ So, you're saying you would pass that luminaire for COC purposes as it's shown in the photo???

YES. The LUMINAIRE would pass by means of its SABS approval. It is not the purpose of the CoC to pass Luminaires. It is, actually, EXCLUDED on the CoC itself: See Note 3 on CoC form page 2.

And Yes, I would sign a CoC based on the photo for that specific issue. Unless there is some hidden/other issues not stated in this forum. The temperature of the exposed part of the cable (70C) has no influence re the CoC according to the law. The code states: It "should", and not it "shall". So, if push comes to shove, any reasonable judge must come to such logical conclusion if, ever, such a case might end up in court.

And, fiy, a 230V 60W incandescent lamp (Ready Light), or a 100w bulkhead bottle, generates far more heat (Flir i60) than a 50 watt gu10 downlight lamp. But still, both the aforementioned is legally wired with pvc copper stranded wire, right into the said lamp, into the connectors, exposed to 84.5 C (Average: Flir System i60), in ALL OF THE INSTALLATIONS In SA.

Houston, ......

**murdock** · 09-Feb-11, 08:33 PM

and there is a cover fitted...unless the person regards the entire roof space as a junction box....as mentioned in other debates...which i dont agree with...becuase there are other people and services in the roof space so anyone can climb into the roof and work...if the roof space is inaccessable thats a whole different ball game.

**123** · 09-Feb-11, 08:48 PM

[Murdock said: ........ so anyone can climb into the roof and work....]

Yes, so true. Anyone can climb into the roof and work.....but....still...they would all need a TOOL to get into the roof, except if they can fly, levitate, or lie.

Anyway, who's all going to the Buff? (Bike Rally in Mosselbay?)

Poison Rally was a KILLER :-) ⌂⌂⌂⌂ ††††

he�he....

**Dave A** · 09-Feb-11, 08:56 PM

Originally posted by 123

Houston, ......

You said it. I'm watching this thread with great interest. There's a small matter of length of downlighter tails vs exposed wiring floating around at the back of my mind at the moment as I'm reading this.

**123** · 09-Feb-11, 09:26 PM

Originally posted by Dave A

There's a small matter of length of downlighter tails vs exposed wiring floating around at the back of my mind at the moment as I'm reading this.

??

Pse Elaborate: Me

**NTS2011** · 09-Feb-11, 10:36 PM

SANS 10142-1:2009

**Dave A** · 10-Feb-11, 07:33 AM

Originally posted by Dave A

There's a small matter of length of downlighter tails vs exposed wiring floating around at the back of my mind at the moment as I'm reading this.

Originally posted by 123

??

Pse Elaborate: Me

Cancel that. It's been the length of mains side transformer tails that we've found as a pretty common issue on new installations.

Sorry for the confusion.

**murdock** · 10-Feb-11, 07:39 AM

light points and open/exposed wires...this is another who thread on its own?

connecting 2 pieces of twin&e into the primary side of the transfomer?

**Dave A** · 10-Feb-11, 07:58 AM

Comments anyone?

**murdock** · 10-Feb-11, 06:37 PM

better than most i see on a daily basis...i have just finished a...what started out as a little job just to fit 3 lights and connect an ectractor fan....turned into a total rewire of the kitchen...and as the customer always says....but i dont understand it has worked for years....the kitchen was done years ago and the kitchen people got their electrician to wire all the lights and plugs.

**Sparks** · 11-Feb-11, 10:38 AM

Aaaaah... the things we see....

**phillip** · 26-Mar-11, 02:21 PM

Installation of 220v downlights

Is this legal? 12v downlight fitting with 220v globe, 220v porcelin globe holder with 150mm heat resistant leads connected to 16A connector strips. My supply is 220v, 1mm t&e connected to the connector block. Leads are +- 150mm away from light fitting. Also: Draw box in roof, leads going to lights and supply from D/B. Lead going down to 2 way switching, using 1mm t&e. If earth is insulated on both ends, can it be used as a life feed?

**AndyD** · 26-Mar-11, 10:58 PM

Originally posted by phillip

Is this legal? 12v downlight fitting with 220v globe,

I'm confused, if it has a 220v globe then it's a 220v downlight. Why do you say it's a 12v downlight fitting?

Originally posted by phillip

Lead going down to 2 way switching, using 1mm t&e. If earth is insulated on both ends, can it be used as a life feed?

This is illegal on more than one account. Do not use the earth wire of any cable as a live, switched live or a neutral. If somebody gets injured whilst working on or using this installation because the regulations have not been followed you might well find yourself in court on a culpable homicide charge.

**bergie** · 27-Mar-11, 10:05 AM

i see a lot of 12 volt fittings used with 230 volt lamps .it doesnt have the built in lamp holder. some electricians earth the 12 volt fitting and use the porcelain 230 volt lamp holder. the connection of the leads is in a box,but the leads are still exposed the same as the 12 volt lampholder.therefore i fail it anyway.
you can buy this contraption that fits on to the 12 volt fitting with a built in lampholder and connection box.
as andy says using the earth wire as a live conductor is highly dangerous and illegal.

**Sparks** · 27-Mar-11, 10:49 AM

When I find an earth wire being used as a return my prices double for "danger-pay", (what else is wired like that?). I show the owner exactly what the problem is and scare all the crap out of them with a very detailed descripting of how their whole family could be wiped out trying to help the grandchild being electrocuted. By the time I am done with them they rather sit in the dark, until I can do the repairs, than touch a light switch.