Wall Light with open back - how to comply with regs when mounting on wood

[AndySummers]

Hi, When installing metal wall lights that have an open back and the connections are made using connector blocks, does it comply with the regs to fix them to wood panelling?... I guess not because the connections are not in a fire rated enclosure, but I can't see how else they can be installed as they do not come with a back box or fit on a back box. in fact the regs seem to suggest that the connections should always be enclosed in a box/ceiling rose etc. but yet wall lights tend to have an open back. Do people make up custom plates for the back of these? Thanks.

 

[telectrix]

a conduit box lid will fit a lot of them.

 

[trev]

I'd have thought that after all that success with The Police et al you'd be able to afford a spark.
Comes to something when even rock stars are feeling the pinch

 

[Octopus]

Install to the manufacturers instructions.

 

[telectrix]

??????

 

[AndySummers]

the manufacturer's instructions just say connect these cables and fix to the wall... don't comply with the regs IMO, hence the question... the conduit box lid is an idea but don't think they will fit in this case as diameter of light fitting too big.

 

[Guitarist]

Install to the manufacturers instructions.

Agree with Murdoch. Most unit will say something like "Can be installed on a normally flammable surface".

 

[Octopus]

Agree with Murdoch. Most unit will say something like "Can be installed on a normally flammable surface".

Most are made in China and they don't give a xxxx for BS7671.

 

[not clever]

So cut the panel (I assume there is a void behind it) & drop a dry lining box in & fill with intumescent gasket.
907FP BG Wiring Accessories White1 Gang 35mm Dry Lining Box With Intumescent Gasket
Gaskets for Shallow Dry Lining Boxes

I do wonder sometimes about the competency of jobbing sparks when questions like this are asked.

 

[HandySparks]

I think it's a fair question. I've fitted the odd GU10 surface-mounting spotlight to overhead exposed beams and been concerned about the open back issue with regards to terminations.

Wondered whether this stuff would be worth trying for custom backplates:
Buy Solid Plastic Sheets Grey PVC sheet stock,1000x500x1mm RS 4386370 online from RS for next day delivery.

It's flame-retardant PVC sheet. Easier to cut to size than metal. Not sure if it's good enough to comply.

 

[Guitarist]

I do wonder sometimes about the competency of jobbing sparks when questions like this are asked.

Compared to some we get, such as "I'm an electrician, how do I test an immersion element?", I think this question is quite fair.