What is the best way to wire ceiling lights?

Denis McMahon:

Will this thread run for ever?


A scan of recent posts suggests two points of concern - junction boxes and accessibility.

Junction boxes


I would describe these as non-preferred; they provide extra terminal junctions in places that have no actual function. I am sure I could wire a house from scratch using no  junction boxes. I am sure most diligent electricians would prefer to do the same.

Nonsense - My previous house was wired from 4No JB locations - these were flush 35mm deep dual socket boxes with blank plates over containing connector blocks and strategically (and discreetly) positioned for ease of access.


All the ceiling lighting positions contained 1 cable only

Accessibility


Many years ago, when accessibility was less-well defined in the Regulations, I had an argument with an electrician who wanted to install a junction box where it would be plastered over. His point was that he and I knew where it was and it would be possible to cut a hole in the plaster to access it.  I would define accessibility as follows.

• Accessible to touch: Positioned where anyone can touch in  normal living circumstances. Clearly not a place for live terminals.

• Accessible for inspection: Positioned where they can be touched only after removing some type of cover.  This could include junction boxes in loft areas.

• Inaccessible: Can be reached only by causing damage to the fabric of the building.

I would argue that it's inaccessible if it requires damage to the structure of the building - removing panels or opening up a partition isn't preferable - but easily achievable. But see my point above

 

 

Denis McMahon:

Will this thread run for ever?


A scan of recent posts suggests two points of concern - junction boxes and accessibility.

Junction boxes


I would describe these as non-preferred; they provide extra terminal junctions in places that have no actual function. I am sure I could wire a house from scratch using no  junction boxes. I am sure most diligent electricians would prefer to do the same.

Nonsense - My previous house was wired from 4No JB locations - these were flush 35mm deep dual socket boxes with blank plates over containing connector blocks and strategically (and discreetly) positioned for ease of access.


All the ceiling lighting positions contained 1 cable only

Accessibility


Many years ago, when accessibility was less-well defined in the Regulations, I had an argument with an electrician who wanted to install a junction box where it would be plastered over. His point was that he and I knew where it was and it would be possible to cut a hole in the plaster to access it.  I would define accessibility as follows.

• Accessible to touch: Positioned where anyone can touch in  normal living circumstances. Clearly not a place for live terminals.

• Accessible for inspection: Positioned where they can be touched only after removing some type of cover.  This could include junction boxes in loft areas.

• Inaccessible: Can be reached only by causing damage to the fabric of the building.

I would argue that it's inaccessible if it requires damage to the structure of the building - removing panels or opening up a partition isn't preferable - but easily achievable. But see my point above