New socket from light switch

macewindu · Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 5:07 pm Post Subject: New socket from light switch

is it possible to run a new double socket from light switch. due to location of new socket I\\\'m having trouble joining up to existing socket and think only option would be to run it fromn light switch. Is this possible or big no/no. Thanks

davy_owen_88 · Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 5:15 pm Post Subject:

breezer · Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 5:52 pm Post Subject:

actualy the answer is more a case of, no, it wont work

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ColJack · Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 9:19 pm Post Subject:

not necesarily breezer.. with the more commonly used way of putting live feeds to switches nowadays it's entirely possible... depending on his wiring type..

the reason it's a HUGE no no... is that the cable and fuse supplying lighting is simply not big enough for using as a power circuit..

a double socket is capable of drawing 26A, whereas your lighting circuit probably has 1mm cable, which can take only 11A, and a 6A or 10A fuse / breaker..

securespark · Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 9:23 pm Post Subject:

Thought it was 14?

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breezer · Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 9:33 pm Post Subject:

i relaise the point (supply to switch then light, but if you say this he may go ahead anyway- hence no it wont work

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FatGit · Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 9:37 pm Post Subject:

Surely it depends on what he wants the power for? If it is just for a TV amp then, if he a neutral at the switch he could fit a FCU or a round pin socket and it wouldn't be unsafe??

ColJack · Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 9:43 pm Post Subject:

ARRGGGHHHH!!!

STOP telling people it's fine to put sockets onto lighting circuits.... it's not..

even with a 3A fuse in a spur, you're then limiting the rest of the circuit to 3A on a 6A breaker..

a single socket can draw 13A.. even if you fit it with a 3A fuse in a FCU, at some point some idiot will change the fuse to a 13A so they can plug in a heater or a drill or a train set or any other multitude of items..

it's not at all hard to find a power circuit to spur off.. most houses will have a way to get cables into the loft ( via an airing cupboard etc.. )