Electrical wiring question

Hanksy · 30-04-2008, 20:17

I want to put under cabinet lighting in the kitchen. I want them to all 3 come on with 1 switch, 1 plug socket but no wires shown.

I have the cookerhood in the middle of the lights.

My plug socket is on the top of the cupboard.

Is it possible? to link them when its a long way around the top of the cabinets to get the wires to be hidden etc?

Hope im making sense!

Amanda

handypandy · 30-04-2008, 20:23

Why not drill a small hole thro' the top of the cabinet and one thro' the bottom shelf. Try to get the holes as near to the back as you can. The cable will be hidden by the cabinets contents. Dont forget to use a small (3amp) fuse.

Hanksy · 30-04-2008, 20:33

At each end of the cabinets is a gap where the plinths are - meaning i wont need to drill. The wire will hide behind the plinths. Its going from one side across to the other side of the cookerhood!

Heyesey · 30-04-2008, 20:48

Is this level of electrical work still legal without a certificate? I know it's illegal to do a lot of stuff now unless you're officially qualified, but I never do anything beyond changing a plug, so I don't know what's allowed and what isn't.

handypandy · 30-04-2008, 20:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heyesey

Is this level of electrical work still legal without a certificate? I know it's illegal to do a lot of stuff now unless you're officially qualified, but I never do anything beyond changing a plug, so I don't know what's allowed and what isn't.

As the lights are to be connected via a plug to an existing socket, its fine.

handypandy · 30-04-2008, 21:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hanksy

At each end of the cabinets is a gap where the plinths are - meaning i wont need to drill. The wire will hide behind the plinths. Its going from one side across to the other side of the cookerhood!

It depends really on the type of hood, although, removing the hood is quite a simple matter, then you could 'chase' the cable into the wall behind the hood.

dogsneck · 30-04-2008, 21:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by handypandy

As the lights are to be connected via a plug to an existing socket, its fine.

I think you will find that as the work is in a kitchen it is covered by part p and should be notified to building control.

dosxuk · 30-04-2008, 21:42

You are fitting an appliance, therefore not covered by Part P regs. As far as the regs are concerned, this is like plugging in a desk lamp.

handypandy · 30-04-2008, 22:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by dogsneck

I think you will find that as the work is in a kitchen it is covered by part p and should be notified to building control.

I think that you'll find that if you wanted to plug in your microwave, building control couldn't care less. If you wanted to add extra sockets or extra lighting that was connected into the wiring going back to the c/u, then yes, the work would have to be ok'd by the building inspector, or carried out by a 'part p' compliant contractor.
Even a qualified electrician is not allowed to carry out this work unless he is 'part p', which is crackers, but true. Its a bit like a bus driver needing a special license to drive a mini.

MonkeyLover · 30-04-2008, 22:47

why not think about those ones they advertise on the telly? They are LCD lights I think and dont need wiring at all. Might be a load of rubbish, but worth a look at. Think they were on sale at Poundstretcher and Asda and maybe other places too.

Googleberry · 30-04-2008, 23:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by dosxuk

You are fitting an appliance, therefore not covered by Part P regs. As far as the regs are concerned, this is like plugging in a desk lamp.

This is true. Mind you, as he's not sure how to do it, I wouldn't encourage him.