Re: 15/02/08 Anonymous@20:00:58. I forgot to add: @welcome to/ the Nanny/scary little island/ . place/ england

In England, domestic outdoor lighting is commonly an extension of the indoor 240V supply - protected by a 5 or 6 amp fuse breaker. Most importantly, outdoor light fittings must be manufactured for that use and their cabling properly selected, sized and routed for the outdoors. Ideally it will be protected by a 30 ma RCD (which I'm guessing is the same as 'anonymous' who described this as a GFI). If the connection has been fused 'down' and taken outside from an indoor socket, or from any place where that socket might be used to power outdoor machinery then a 30ma RCD is mandatory. In all cases, without special qualifications, DIY electricians in England are outlawed if they install new electrical circuitry in their home without first informing their local authority and having it tested by a qualified person.

All circuits have overcurrent protection, via circuit breakers. Ground Fault Circuit Interruptors (GFCI or, just GFI) should be used in any location where there is a high likelihood of a fixture/receptacle coming into contact with water/rain. These locations include bathrooms, kitchens and, of course, outdoors. If outdoor lighting is powered by a 'spur' from a socket/receptacle, that socket should be a GFCI type. GFCI receptacles are easily identified by the 'test' and 'reset' buttons built into them. Note: GFCIs are not recommended for appliances that draw large amounts of power at start-up ( ie: refrigerators, window air conditioners, microwave ovens). These GFCI devices can be wired/connected such that ONLY the fixtures plugged into them have the added protection or, they can be connected to protect everything that is connected 'downstream' of that circuit, as well.