Wire light switches from a plug socket?

Klover · 2 Apr 2010

Hi, new to this site, so if posted somewhere already, sorry!

My Dad wants to wire in the following, I don't think it can be done safely.

From a double plug socket he wants to wire in a three gang light switch for our conservatory.

Any suggestions on how this can be wired up or is it not possible?

Thanks

bongos · 2 Apr 2010

A light switch is generally rated at no more than 10A. Your socket outlet is more than likely going to be a 32A ring or at the very least a 16A radial....

You would also have to use larger cable to wire the lights as the circuit would be fused higher.

It's a bad idea as you thought!

You could take a spur from the ring circuit via a FCU to run the lights if required.

Klover · 2 Apr 2010

Hi, sorry what does FCU mean?

1john · 2 Apr 2010

it's a fused connection unit, or a fused spur. you can fuse down to 3 or 5 amps and run the lights from that.

Taylortwocities · 2 Apr 2010

Klover said:
Hi, sorry what does FCU mean?

Oh dear, I have a feeling you may not be the best person to be advising your Father.

An FCU = Fused Connection Unit. You would use this the provide the correct fuse and an isolation switch from the ring final circuit.

Here is one, you can buy them in all sorts of places.
FCU

It will be supplied with a 13A fuse, for a lighting circuit you would need to change this for a 3amp or (at most) a 5 amp fuse depending on the load and the cabling you are using.

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Wire light switches from a plug socket?

Klover

bongos

Klover

1john

Taylortwocities

DIYnot Local

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