What is the best way to wire ceiling lights?

Denis McMahon:

Will this thread run for ever?

Yes, by the looks of it.

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.

Yes, I'll go along with non-preferred, but only in a new build. That said, I have used them with the express agreement of the householders. Their position is well-documented and they do realise that any future access will be through the ceilings below.

In an ideal world one would wire a house with foresight of everyone's requirements for at least the next 50 years. We do not of course live in such an ideal world.

Well, this particular couple have tried to think of everything. For example, on the first and second floors, there are gaps in the underfloor heating where a lift could be installed. There will be a blank in the CU for the circuit.

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.

That's a very helpful analysis.


You can argue this however you will, but lifting carpets, IMHO, is not causing damage to the fabric of the building. Lifting boards is more troublesome, but provided that it is done carefully, is at most, repairable damage.


This is one reason why I do not share Mrs P's aspiration to have floor tiles in (upstairs) bathrooms. I might add that when I restored my breakfast room, I had to replace about 30% of the boards, largely due to plumbers' (heating engineers'?) hamfistedness.


May be I am too used to older buildings. I would certainly agree that sheets of composite board, underfloor heating, and tiles, make whatever is below inaccessible; so is anything in walls under plaster, tiles, or wainscoting; but for me, floorboards are there to be taken up! ?


Rewiring is a different matter. Would you re-open (or enlarge) an existing chase in order to avoid a JB?

Denis McMahon:

Will this thread run for ever?

Yes, by the looks of it.

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.

Yes, I'll go along with non-preferred, but only in a new build. That said, I have used them with the express agreement of the householders. Their position is well-documented and they do realise that any future access will be through the ceilings below.

In an ideal world one would wire a house with foresight of everyone's requirements for at least the next 50 years. We do not of course live in such an ideal world.

Well, this particular couple have tried to think of everything. For example, on the first and second floors, there are gaps in the underfloor heating where a lift could be installed. There will be a blank in the CU for the circuit.

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.

That's a very helpful analysis.


You can argue this however you will, but lifting carpets, IMHO, is not causing damage to the fabric of the building. Lifting boards is more troublesome, but provided that it is done carefully, is at most, repairable damage.


This is one reason why I do not share Mrs P's aspiration to have floor tiles in (upstairs) bathrooms. I might add that when I restored my breakfast room, I had to replace about 30% of the boards, largely due to plumbers' (heating engineers'?) hamfistedness.


May be I am too used to older buildings. I would certainly agree that sheets of composite board, underfloor heating, and tiles, make whatever is below inaccessible; so is anything in walls under plaster, tiles, or wainscoting; but for me, floorboards are there to be taken up! ?


Rewiring is a different matter. Would you re-open (or enlarge) an existing chase in order to avoid a JB?