Generator Power For Garage. What Do I Need? Help!!

[chris5150]

Hello,

I couldn't find a "Say Hello" part of the forum, so I'm going straight in with my questions

I have a garage about 50 yards from my flat with no elec power to it.

So I recently bought a generator to power tools, lighting etc:

http://www.sipuk.co.uk/tools/info_SIP04739.html

I wanted to run the generator outside the garage (it's a bit noisy & the fumes won't do me much good) & the best place for soundproofing purposes is outside the rear of the garage. So what I was hoping to do was, run a cable from the 13amp socket on the generator, into a socket that I can attach on the exterior garage wall (so will have to be safe if it rained), then have the power run from this socket into the garage to something like a 2 gang plug socket so I can plug in a light/drill etc.

When I'm not working out there the gen will be put back in the garage, hence the sockets & not leaving wires & plugs dangling around when not in use.

I hope that all makes sense.

So, can this be done?

 

[flameport]

For such a small generator, a 4 way extension lead and a hole in the wall which the plug will pass through would be adequate.

 

[ricicle]

If you are using more than one piece of equipment at any one time it is recommended that you earth one side of the generator winding and the chassis to create a 'neutral'. (you will need to check the configuration of the winding at the moment)
The reason being if you leave the output winding 'floating' you could have a fault on one piece of kit to one side of the winding and another to the other side of the winding. This could possibly give a shock of full output voltage.
A 30mA RCD will also be essential.

 

[chris5150]

For such a small generator, a 4 way extension lead and a hole in the wall which the plug will pass through would be adequate.

True, thats probably the easiest way of doing it, but isn't this going to leave me with a hole the size of an cricket ball in the garage wall when the gen isn't in use?

 

[xr4x4]

if you use a std 13amp socket you are going to have to have a double ended 13amp plug lead, which isnt ideal, due to poss live pins.

maybe something like this?

http://www.pat-services.co.uk/plug-to-240v-3-pin-632.htm

 

[bernardgreen]

if you use a std 13amp socket you are going to have to have a double ended 13amp plug lead, which isnt ideal, due to poss live pins.

Do NOT EVEN THINK OF MAKING A DOUBLE ENDED 13amp PLUG LEAD

They are extremely dangerous to have in the house.

 

[big-all]

because its a low output you would do better with a good battery drill and whatever other tools you require
what other tools are you planning on using keeping in mind your restricted to around 750w or 3amps at 230v

 

[ColJack]

you may as well put a caravan hook up on the outside wall.. then any trailing caravan lead will do you..

 

[RF Lighting]

Just use a 16A Appliance Inlet outside. Drill straight through the back and feed that up in to a socket inside the garage.

Then make or buy a 13A plug to 16A socket lead.

Don't forget a dirty great big eyelet on the garage wall to chain your generator to.


http://www.screwfix.com/prods/52616...-Commando-Interlocked-Angled-Socket-2P-E-IP44

 

[chris5150]

If I attached one of these to the garage wall:

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/40962...-Commando-Interlocked-Angled-Socket-2P-E-IP44

Can I just change the 16a plug on something like this from female to male to connect with the above?

http://www.touchwood-rvelectrical.co.uk/MAINS-HOOK-UP-UK-CONVERTER-13-AMP-to-16-AMP

As the socket will be outside I thought it best it has a cap on it to keep out the elements.

 

[bernardgreen]

If I attached one of these to the garage wall:

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/40962...-Commando-Interlocked-Angled-Socket-2P-E-IP44

NO

Use this on the outside of the garage wall

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/52616...-Commando-Interlocked-Angled-Socket-2P-E-IP44

with the pins pointing downwards. A matching socket without cable will provide weather protection in all but the msot adverse conditions.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Can I just change the 16a plug on something like this from female to male to connect with the above?

Dear God.

Do NOT EVEN THINK OF MAKING A DOUBLE ENDED 13amp PLUG LEAD

You clearly have absolutely no idea why, do you.

You should be doing nothing with electricity except using it. And I'm not 100% sure you should even do that.

 

[mikhailfaradayski]

tut-tut sheddy,

You missed out here a bit, If ever there were a time for a large fonted-multicoloured extravaganza, this is it. Allow me---

Dear OP,

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MAKE A LEAD WHICH HAS A PLUG FITTED AT EACH END. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS!!!


Did you know that a construction as you suggest is sometimes called a 'Widow Maker' by electricians, I wonder why??????

Take a moment to think about the possibility of a fatal accident simply be handling this contraption incorrectly!!! Then never let the thought enter your head, ever again!

 

[bernardgreen]

Did you know that a construction as you suggest is sometimes called a 'Widow Maker' by electricians, I wonder why??????

To which the "qualified electrician" replied. "" then it will be safe for me to use it as I am not married ""

THAT IS A JOKE IN VERY POOR TASTE

 

[ricicle]

Call me thick but can anybody point out to me where the OP hinted at using a widowmaker ?