THE BUILDING CLINIC Ask the experts your questions
INSTALLING SPOTLIGHTS
Q I’m renovating my kitchen-diner and want to install spotlights. What’s the best way to do it?
LUCY, CORNWALL
There are two options when installing spotlights. You can lift the carpet and floorboards in the room above to run the cabling, but if this isn’t possible then you would have to disturb the ceiling and install the cable alongside the joists and into the required positions. The amount of damage caused can depend on which way the joists are running. The ceiling can be repaired once the first fix is complete.
You will also need to consider if your distribution board is up to current regs as this will require a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate. And when choosing spotlights they need to be fire rated.
BEN STANTON, ELECTRICIAN AT SMART ELECTRICAL (MIDLANDS) LTD
