A kitchen company is wanting us to install a regular single switched socket outlet on a lighting circuit, within a cupboard approx 1700 affh
(for connection to their LED strip transformer)
We install unswitched sockets (surface sockets) all the time for luminaires,
But these are 'not readily accessible'
Have been through 3000 and can't find anything specifically saying this can't be done. (aside for table 3.3 regarding conductor size w. the exception)
Anyone know if its ok?
Socket Outlets for Lighting
Re: Socket Outlets for Lighting
The concept that circuits are either "lighting" or "power" is long-established - and entirely false.
A circuit is a circuit.
It has to have big enough conductors to supply the expected load.
It has to have absolute overcurrent protection.
It has to have fault protection.
Etc.
Some of these requirements will vary depending on what kind of loads / accessories are being supplied
eg if there are any sockets, fault protection max operating time is 0.4 sec; vs 5 sec for non-socket circuits
Also, the fact of having a socket on the circuit limits the availablity of some of the Exceptions for overcurrent protection.
And there will be other requirements that apply to the points / loads; rather than to the circuit itself;
eg the general requirement to have a switch for each socket (with Exceptions) doesn't apply to lights;
and all sockets added to existing circuits must have RCD protection
But there's nothing wrong with the concept of having circuits that supply both sockets & lights
A circuit is a circuit.
It has to have big enough conductors to supply the expected load.
It has to have absolute overcurrent protection.
It has to have fault protection.
Etc.
Some of these requirements will vary depending on what kind of loads / accessories are being supplied
eg if there are any sockets, fault protection max operating time is 0.4 sec; vs 5 sec for non-socket circuits
Also, the fact of having a socket on the circuit limits the availablity of some of the Exceptions for overcurrent protection.
And there will be other requirements that apply to the points / loads; rather than to the circuit itself;
eg the general requirement to have a switch for each socket (with Exceptions) doesn't apply to lights;
and all sockets added to existing circuits must have RCD protection
But there's nothing wrong with the concept of having circuits that supply both sockets & lights
Re: Socket Outlets for Lighting
This is how I read it
4.4.2.1 " each socket-outlet shall be installed so that any plug intended to be used
with the socket-outlet can be conveniently inserted and withdrawn"
So if the only plug intended to be used is for the led than its OK.
4.4.2.2 Protection of socket-outlets covers your situation
"(d) Where installed in a location that is not readily accessible for the
connection of a fixed or stationary appliance or a luminaire, the
socket-outlet shall be securely fixed to a structure or support to ensure
that no mechanical strain is placed on the installation wiring
connections when inserting or removing a plug to the socket-outlet.
Exceptions: The socket-outlet need not be fixed in position where the
installation meets the following conditions... :"
As for being readily accessible that only applies to the switch if the switch for the socket is remote to the socket
But in your situation it's not remote to the socket it's on the socket so it only has to be as close as practical to the socket etc (4.4.4.3)
No switch would also be acceptable for your situation as meets exception "
socket-outlet that is rated at not more than 10 A, installed for the
connection of a fixed or stationary appliance or a luminaire and that is
not readily accessible for other purposes, need not be controlled by a
switch."
And the socket would still have to be accessible for maintenance as per ESR but not readily accessible
Installation wiring ends at the socket. The light is an appliance and is equipment wiring from the socket
4.3.3 so does not need to comply with installation wiring 3000
4.4.2.1 " each socket-outlet shall be installed so that any plug intended to be used
with the socket-outlet can be conveniently inserted and withdrawn"
So if the only plug intended to be used is for the led than its OK.
4.4.2.2 Protection of socket-outlets covers your situation
"(d) Where installed in a location that is not readily accessible for the
connection of a fixed or stationary appliance or a luminaire, the
socket-outlet shall be securely fixed to a structure or support to ensure
that no mechanical strain is placed on the installation wiring
connections when inserting or removing a plug to the socket-outlet.
Exceptions: The socket-outlet need not be fixed in position where the
installation meets the following conditions... :"
As for being readily accessible that only applies to the switch if the switch for the socket is remote to the socket
But in your situation it's not remote to the socket it's on the socket so it only has to be as close as practical to the socket etc (4.4.4.3)
No switch would also be acceptable for your situation as meets exception "
socket-outlet that is rated at not more than 10 A, installed for the
connection of a fixed or stationary appliance or a luminaire and that is
not readily accessible for other purposes, need not be controlled by a
switch."
And the socket would still have to be accessible for maintenance as per ESR but not readily accessible
Installation wiring ends at the socket. The light is an appliance and is equipment wiring from the socket
4.3.3 so does not need to comply with installation wiring 3000