RE: Garden automation

["James Hoye" <james.hoye@xxxxxxx>]

> Regarding running cat5 outside, I know this has been mentioned
> before, but
> a quick yahoo search of archives didn't find it.
> Is there special outside cat5 cable? As I want to run some to a
> summerhouse.

Try www.ukha-archive.com - much better.

The main problem will be UV degradation of the cable jacket, assuming
you
can safely run it in the first instance.

If I were doing this, I'd dig an 18" trench, put 2" of gravel at
the bottom
(for drainage), and lay a couple of runs of 40mm waste pipe (the
solvent
weld type).  Use one run for SWA mains cable, and the other for
CAT5/LV.
You may be able to 'borrow' some tape from a friendly utility worker to
lay
on top of the ducts - "CAUTION ELECTRIC CABLE BELOW" as it's only
available
on 365m reels for 40 quid (well, from RS stock no.391-968).

> Also to run mains to a pond for pump and lights and on to summerhouse
and
> on to more lights....should I run a ring or a spur mains.
> I guess it may have to do with total power required?

How far is the pond/summerhouse from the consumer unit?  This will
dictate
the size of cable that you will need to lay.  Typically 2.5 sqmm will
be OK
on a radial spur.  This should be protected by a 16A MCB and should
have RCD
protection.  If you whole house is RCD protected then you can just use
a 16A
MCB - but be aware that a fault on the garden circuit will plunge your
whole
house into darkness.

Many newer homes seem to have split load consumer units these days - and
if
this is your case then I would recommend taking the supply from the
non-RCD
protected side, and using a 16A RCBO device (RS 425-3696) for
protection.
This would mean that a fault on the garden curcuit will only trip the
RCBO
device, not the rest of the house.

<disclaimer>
Of course, the information I've given here is to the best of my
knowledge.
Before using it, please check with the current IEE regulations to
ensure
that what you are doing is correct and safe.

The exact details will also depend on you circumstances - I've just
outlined
a couple of points to get you started - I don't for instance know how
or
where you intend to connect the pond devices.
</disclaimer>

James H

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