One of my customers has asked for Neon rope lights to string round a garden path on ground level.
Up till now I'd not really considered these and naively assumed that they would all be SELV. Not so. Turns out that many are 230V, commonly AFAICT with 2-wire (no CPC). Not only that, the connections are potentially "customer made" by shoving sharp prongs into the end and where they are cut (typically at 1M intervals) the live wires are shrouded with a push-on plastic cap.
With glue and care I’m sure I might make a good job of it. Despite this, it immediately rings bells regarding 412.2.1.2. Even the basic insulation on the cut end is field-applied during erection. Makes me think that for the use cases often illustrated, damage is one problem and pull-off of ends another. Some suppliers seem to offer very rudimentary fittings with push-on ends. Others go to more lengths to ensure instructions (sleeving and adhesive) are followed.
Does the mind here have a view regarding these in general use? It seems to me that images of them as walk-on items along paths are a trifle irresponsible. Fitting onto an architectural thing more acceptable. I’m quite likely to suggest NOT for this customer.
My guess is that since they are a “luminaire”, not a “conductor”, they maybe evade BS7671. The rope light not being defined as a single insulated cable “needing” CPC. If fitted anywhere conductive though, (example, wound round a metal garden chain, - a common use model), they might, to me, be classified as “Class 0”. Any thoughts?
