What do I need to light my shop?

[lazyfroguk]

Hello all,

I have an indoor market stall and am about to take on a lease for a shop that has been a squat for a long time, and is in a sorry state of affairs. I have been looking at lighting and retail lighting tips and understand what types of light I want and where I want to position them.

What I can't find however is a basic sort of start-from-scratch guide. I think I could just about buy the lights I want.... but what then? I have no expertise in electronics, so not sure what else I would need (apparently I need a transformer, but dont know what it does or what it would connect to or how, or why, or where for example ).

I am planning on lighting a 500 square foot area, half of the shop, for around 1500 (including electricians bill). I have got one quote so far, which was 3500, but that was to get and install the lights whereas now I want to do that myself to save cash, but may still need him to... do the bit that makes it all turn on...


Is there an idiots guide to installing lighting?

While I'm at it, is there an idiots guide to building counters and shop units as well?

I am desperate to open before Christmas and am trying to repair, decorate and fit the 500sq ft area for £5000 or less.

Any help or advice would be appreciated.

 

[roydmoorian]

A box matches ? ?

 

[Root 66 Woodshop]

If you're handy with a hammer, nails, screws etc then you could probably build your own counter, just be aware though that if you're rubbish... the customers will notice

With regards to lighting... Don't even attempt to do it yourself, unless you're a qualified electrician which as far as I can tell with you wanting an "idiot's guide" you're not.

Always use a qualified Electrician... last thing you want is to end up burning the building down with dodgy electrics.

 

[HGSecurity]

I'm with AuthorisedAccess on this - for a commercial environment in particular you have to use a qualified electrician by law, so the installation can be certified, which as a layman you would not be able to do, whether you were capable of doing the work or not (and I am not casting any doubts on your ability here, it's just the way things are - elf'n'safety rule you know).
You can supply the lighting, but you're going to have to bite the bullet and get a qualified electrician to fit it.

 

[hosker4u]

lazyfroguk, I like your style.

It is unfortunately not that easy as it will most likely need to be "signed off" by a qualified electrician.

If you are trying to cut costs, as you require a qualified electrician it means they have cut down the DIY competitors out. It does mean though their is a pool of qualified electricians whom are looking for their "first job" and your recommendation.

Perhaps give your local College a call and ask them if their are any competent persons whom have just got qualified whom they can refer you too. Or if not the college the organisations that vet/approve them.