Extend circuit in garage

[MidsTW]

So we have a new build property... although we haven’t moved in yet. We have a double garage and I’d like to use one side for an extra fridge and a tumble dryer and I plan to get a couple of kitchen base units and some workshop to make it all look nice.

At the moment there is just one double socket near the up and over door. Looks as though the garage has a fused spur near the floor. I want to install another double further to the right. I’m competent with wiring etc but not sure on whether this can be done without sign off? There is a side access door off the picture to the right, I might also add a light switch there.

 

[securespark]

Is it attached or detached?

Looks like a FCU near the floor. Probs has a 13A fuse in.

The cable to the light switch looks thinner. Is it?

Is the light switch also an FCU or a regular switch?

Does the garage supply run the light on the front wall of the garage?

If you open up the FCU near the floor, how are the cables arranged?

What else do you plan to use in the garage?

Would you be better off with a dedicated circuit?

You may want to consider using trunking or conduit to protect the cable drops.

 

[MidsTW]

Is it attached or detached?

Looks like a FCU near the floor. Probs has a 13A fuse in.

The cable to the light switch looks thinner. Is it?

Is the light switch also an FCU or a regular switch?

Does the garage supply run the light on the front wall of the garage?

If you open up the FCU near the floor, how are the cables arranged?

What else do you plan to use in the garage?

Would you be better off with a dedicated circuit?

You may want to consider using trunking or conduit to protect the cable drops.

Garage is detached

Cable to light is defo thinner (1.5mm?)

I can’t check now but I believe it is a regular switch with 3 switches. One for the inside lights, one for the side flood light and one for the 2 led lights on the front. I can’t check how the wires are arranged atm.

I’m not sure I will benefit from a dedicated circuit and not sure about the cost/mess etc. I only plan to run a fridge, occasionally a tumble dryer and the odd power tool from there.

 

[winston1]

So it looks as if the double socket is supplied from behind (through the wall). Then from there a spur is taken to the FCU near the floor (with a 5 amp max fuse I hope) which then feed a triple switch for the three light points.

For a new build that is crap. Why is the FCU near the floor where it could be damaged rather than next to the double socket? Why are the cables not protected with conduit or capping? Why did they not use metal-clad fittings? Although none of these are required in the regs it would be so much more professional to do so.

Whether or not you can run an extra double socket depends on how the existing socket is fed. If it is a spur off the house ring you cannot and the existing FCU spur (off a spur) would not be compliant either.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I plan to get a couple of kitchen base units and some workshop to make it all look nice.

Fitted garage furniture porn.

I’m competent with wiring etc

Jolly good.

but not sure on whether this can be done without sign off?

Depends what you mean by "sign off".

Building regulations approval is not required, but, of course, all the normal electrical testing and certification should be done, but you know about all of that.

Garage is detached

I don't know if it's a concern with fridges, but I know that with freezers you need to make sure they don't get too cold in winter or they won't work - detached outbuildings are often unsuitable locations, so find out about fridges.

 

[chivers67]

Why has someone left a bit of wood with two nails pointing upwards waiting for someone to tread on it!? ! The wall looks shoddy with the plaster mix still left on and the cable cleated to the wood up high looks all wonky too. Has this place got a guarantee with it ?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Why has someone left a bit of wood with two nails pointing upwards waiting for someone to tread on it!?

May or may not be a bit of untidiness by the builders, who tend not to be allowed a lot of time. Not rocket science for the owner to get rid of it.

The wall looks shoddy with the plaster mix still left on

Whatever that is (a splash from some over-enthusiastic mixing?), it does not make the wall shoddy. The wall looks quite well done, actually.

and the cable cleated to the wood up high looks all wonky too.

Hardly a hanging offence.

Has this place got a guarantee with it ?

Probably the usual NHBC one, whose value vs paper is not affected by, and does not cover, a bit of wood left behind, a bit of soiling on the inside of a garage wall, or cables installed in full compliance with the Wiring Regulations but not precisely parallel to the edge of a wall plate.

 

[securespark]

I know that with freezers you need to make sure they don't get too cold in winter or they won't work - detached outbuildings are often unsuitable locations, so find out about fridges.

Beko/ Ice King (Beko rebadged and cheaper) are but 2 brands whose freezers work in unheated garages. There are more. Do an internet search for garage fridges and freezers.

 

[MidsTW]

So it looks as if the double socket is supplied from behind (through the wall). Then from there a spur is taken to the FCU near the floor (with a 5 amp max fuse I hope) which then feed a triple switch for the three light points.

For a new build that is crap. Why is the FCU near the floor where it could be damaged rather than next to the double socket? Why are the cables not protected with conduit or capping? Why did they not use metal-clad fittings? Although none of these are required in the regs it would be so much more professional to do so.

Whether or not you can run an extra double socket depends on how the existing socket is fed. If it is a spur off the house ring you cannot and the existing FCU spur (off a spur) would not be compliant either.

I thought the socket would be fed from the FCU? There is nothing behind that wall.

I agree there are probably many ‘better ifs’ but I imagine most large housing developers do enough to meet the min requirements. I suppose I could add conduit etc when I add my units etc.

 

[MidsTW]

Why has someone left a bit of wood with two nails pointing upwards waiting for someone to tread on it!? ! The wall looks shoddy with the plaster mix still left on and the cable cleated to the wood up high looks all wonky too. Has this place got a guarantee with it ?

It was an active building site when I was there last week so I will let them off

 

[DaveHerns]

I'm guessing the FCU has a 3 amp fuse for the lights and the underground cable enters from behind it. I wonder how they've put a gland on the SWA?

 

[MidsTW]

I'm guessing the FCU has a 3 amp fuse for the lights and the underground cable enters from behind it. I wonder how they've put a gland on the SWA?

In this case if the FCU has a 3A fuse for the lights what would be providing the power for the socket?

Am I wrong to assume the power from the house is wired into the FCU? Obviously I will need to investigate...

 

[winston1]

In this case if the FCU has a 3A fuse for the lights what would be providing the power for the socket?

Am I wrong to assume the power from the house is wired into the FCU? Obviously I will need to investigate...

If the power is supplied from behind the FCU the socket would be supplied from the input of the FCU (not the output).

But you really need to investigate, not only where the power feed is but where does it come from in the house.

 

[MidsTW]

If the power is supplied from behind the FCU the socket would be supplied from the input of the FCU (not the output).

But you really need to investigate, not only where the power feed is but where does it come from in the house.

Ahh I see what you mean! I will find out!

I have a suspicion that the power to the socket is on one of the rings for the main house. Which I guess would limit my plan to add another socket.

 

[winston1]

Ahh I see what you mean! I will find out!

I have a suspicion that the power to the socket is on one of the rings for the main house. Which I guess would limit my plan to add another socket.

If it is a spur from a ring in the house having a double socket and a FCU on the end of it is non compliant.