Numerous Lights from one switch

Depends on the type of lights you propose to use. But then most lights are now LEDs with electronic drivers with a considerable reduction in power consumption.

The type of switch will depend on the power of the loads/lights to be switched. In this case 10-12 LED lamps should be adequately switched by a domestic 5,10 or 20A switch rating.

Legh

Yes, you could just extend that diagram with more lamps. In practical terms you wouldn't lay cables out anything like that physically - but take L,N & PE together to the first light, then extend them together to the 2nd then the 3rd and so on. Having L and N approaching from opposite ends as in the diagram would be awful from an EMI perspective and very inconvenient when using most common wiring methods (multi-core cables or singles in conduit).


There's also the energy efficiency consideration from switching a large number of lights together - often being able to switch them in smaller groups means that only the lights actually needed will be on - if the group is too large then everything has to be on even if only a small area need illumination. Get too silly and you might actually fall foul of building regulations on that point!


   - Andy.

Now If the voltage for each LED cluster was, lets say, 110V then you will need to connect the lamp clusters in a hybrid formation. That is series pairs in parallel. The circuit diagram you have used would now need to have two lamps in series at each output point.

The loading would be 52W * 6 = 312W. There is likely to be a startup current so perhaps treble that figure. to about 1000W which is around 5A - 8A (no need to be pedantic).

Legh

Here's a circuit diagram of the likely set up - check your messages. Remember that this is a circuit diagram. The method of wiring using a standard T&E cable will be as Andy has stated.

Legh

As in an array of down lighters?


Just wire up all the lamps in parallel looped one to another.

Also, being careful which fittings are used. I was looking at some downlights in cef a few months ago, to replace some 50W halogens, and the MI's stated that only 7 fittings could be on the cct - the whole cct, not just one switch (don't recall the make/model though).


F

If it’s domestic, Building Regulations limits the number of lights per switch to six.


Andy Betteridge

I remember about two-three years ago, repairing and installing three eight point chanderliers albeit over two circuits. They had 40W tungsten candle lamps (320W per chandelier) I changed them for 3W LEDs. No problems as yet.

As far as Building control goes. I can only see a minimum lighting requirement. It could be a requirement generated by local Risk assessments. I think some BCOs get over zealous about interpreting the rules.

Legh

At one level , all lighting circuits look like that, but be aware that the wiring itself looks nothing like the circuit diagram - a circuit shows what is connected to what, but not how - much in the way that the London underground map is not representative of the direction or length of the lines between stations, just the order they are connected. (compare the tube map to the A to Z map if you do not believe me.)

Firstly all wires are really in pairs - a pair to the switch, a pair to the lamp fitting (with earth). Secondly you want flow and return  currents to be more or less side by side to avoid creating magnetic fields, and EMC issues.There are a few common  real circuit layouts

most real installations are one of these or a mixture.