New PIR light onto existing cable

LeeUK · 7 Dec 2018 at 17:56

I want to replace an existing external PIR security light for a new low energy LED one (plus it's knackered as the sensor is broken and only works as dumb on/off light now). On the current old light the cable comes out of the wall and is wired straight into the light. Nowadays as all the external PIR lights are "IP rated" they have their own sealed in bit of cable that you obviously need to connect to a junction box of some sort.

I've found some junction boxes on Screwfix but how do you wire it up as they appear to be just empty boxes, I assume I need some sort of connector block too but can't seem to find these. Any recommendations?

This is the box I was looking at on Screwfix: https://www.screwfix.com/p/schneide...-box-with-knockouts-grey-65-x-65-x-45mm/63295

This is the PIR light I'm thinking of from Toolstation: https://www.toolstation.com/shop/Lighting/d220/LED+Floodlights/sd3236/LED+PIR+Floodlight/p74613

NoobCannon · 7 Dec 2018 at 18:29

Just done this very thing myself and used these

Waterproof Junction Box Outdoor Cable Connector - 2-Pack IP68 Connector External Sleeve Coupler ? 1mm-13mm (Black, PVC) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01KI3AS78/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_1hCPmaiXDli4t

Abyss · 7 Dec 2018 at 21:18

Given the box is IP rated I used wago lighting connectors. They are really easy to fit which is a bonus when up the top of a ladder. They are however only suitable if the cable coming from the house is solid core cable and the cable coming from the light is stranded (usually the case).

HardwareGeek · 7 Dec 2018 at 22:23

Wiska brand ip boxes come with a screw terminal connector inside - or just use lever wagos

+ wiska have soft rubber seal on the entries so you can get away without a gland, just pierce with screwdriver and push cable through and it seals up tight around cable - other brands will have a solid plastic entry you either need to drill out or knock out and fit a gland - just a pain

Try and use bottom entries and avoid using top ones to keep water proof

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Manufacturers/Wiska/Junction_Boxes/index.html

can get in white, grey or black

LeeUK · 8 Dec 2018 at 11:47

Thanks, I'm interested in those tube ones from Amazon as posted above as it means I won't have to drill new holes for a box. Only thing is the cable coming out the wall is old grey flat wiring, not the usual black round stuff they use these days for external wiring. Just hope it still fits into the end of the connector.