What cable for second light?

[android75]

Hello
Have a 5ft double-strip LED light hard-wired into the loft by electrician on the main upstairs lighting ring with its own switch. Need to increase illumination so going to add a second light of similar design. What cable is best to use? I have some 2.5 sq. mm twin and earth, wondering if something smaller would be more suitable. Planning to add a simple junction box to split the power input coming from the switch to the existing light.

 

[GrumpyGrandpa]

Probably best to read this:

BS 7671 Electrical Wiring Regulations Guide

A guide to answer your questions about the latest electrical wiring regulations and standards in the UK, including BS 7671 and a handy terminology checklist.

uk.rs-online.com

Then this:
18th Edition Wiring Regulations

Or just get your electrician back to fit second light.

I've done my own (simple and legal) electrical jobs around the house and I always seem to attract those little electrons every time. Shocking experience!

 

[Perlogalism]

Lighting cable is generally 1.5mm2 but if you've got some thicker stuff going spare then other than being a lot stiffer to work with, it'll be fine.
Yes, junction box to split the supply and you'll be fine. Just make sure you turn off the supply at the consumer unit and not just the light switch before you start - best to avoids those pesky electrons
Oh, and I'd recommend a simple multimeter / tester. It doesn't have to be hundreds of quids worth, a £10 job is all you'd need for diy.

 

[android75]

Lighting cable is generally 1.5mm2 but if you've got some thicker stuff going spare then other than being a lot stiffer to work with, it'll be fine.
Yes, junction box to split the supply and you'll be fine. Just make sure you turn off the supply at the consumer unit and not just the light switch before you start - best to avoids those pesky electrons
Oh, and I'd recommend a simple multimeter / tester. It doesn't have to be hundreds of quids worth, a £10 job is all you'd need for diy.

Thank you for the helpful reply - this is what I needed. I suspected 1.5 sq mm was 'best' and you've confirmed it. I've got a multimeter and tester and will be sure to turn off at the consumer unit. Thanks for the advice!

 

[maz1]

Hello, for lighting you don't need anything more than 1mm sq twin and earth cable.
You could work out the current used by the lamp by using the formula, power of lamp in watts divided by the voltage at the lamp( best to measure it as it can vary) but generally it may be about 235v .
A 1mmsq cable is rated to carry 11A so I think you will be more than adequate for the single lamp.
Anymore questions please do shout up.
Or you could pm me for a chat if you want more info.
Cheers Maz.

 

[Paynut]

Unless you’re supremely confident in your electrical prowess,get a sparky in and don’t mess

 

[android75]

Hello, for lighting you don't need anything more than 1mm sq twin and earth cable.
You could work out the current used by the lamp by using the formula, power of lamp in watts divided by the voltage at the lamp( best to measure it as it can vary) but generally it may be about 235v .
A 1mmsq cable is rated to carry 11A so I think you will be more than adequate for the single lamp.
Anymore questions please do shout up.
Or you could pm me for a chat if you want more info.
Cheers Maz.

Thanks for offer of help. I'll see what cable reels are in the box of bits 'n' bobs!