Re: Mains installation in garden

["Karam Karam" <kzkaram@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Richard,

Purely from a theoretical standpoint :-) : You'll always get some
voltage drop and who's to say the supply is exactly 12V? So one thing
to check is what is the minimum/maximum acceptable working voltage
for the lights (are they really so fussy?)since you might even
consider going to a slightly higher supply voltage.

Karam

--- In ukha_d@xxxxxxx, "rb_ziggy" <rb.lists@...> wrote:
>
> I'm looking for a bit of initial help on feasibility of
installation
> before I call in a sparky.
>
> I'm looking to put in a series of 12V lights (fully automated of
> course)into the garden but the cable runs look to be 12-15m which
> seems to be above the run distances where voltage drop off starts
to
> be an issue.  A couple will be 50W spots and these seem to cause a
> prob - 8m seems to be the recomended max run.  (Originally I'd
> planned for transformers to be mounted in a weatherproof enclosure
> attached to the house but the scheme is growing!)
>
> So I'll need to take mains out to a transformer in the garden.
>
> I have an external socket nearby (RCD protected but probably on one
> of the regular downstairs ring mains).  Putting in a new spur from
> the consumer unit is goint to be practically impossible.
>
> So:
>
> 1) Can I extend (have extended) this external socket point further
> into the garden using armoured cable?  (Or does it have to be on an
> entirely separate circuit from the consumer unit?)
> 2) What depth does this need to be buried.  (We have laid a conduit
> about 3" under hogging - originally intended only for LV
purposes.
> So with proper armoured cable would this be ok? I seem to remember
> that any mains should be 18" deep)  If I have to trench to
18" it's
> likely to be a non-starter now!
>
> Any other good ideas, e.g. experiences for running LV over longer
> distances?
>
> This work will be done by a proper sparky but I'd appreciate help
> before I waste time on asking for a quote that is not practical.
>
> Thanks
>
> Richard
>