Can I wire a plug socket from this?

[ukal]

**please note I am not going to undertake this work myself - just need to know if its possible before getting someone in**

Hi all. We have a pantry in our kitchen that contains our fuse box(old school fuses with fuse wires). I would like to hide our fridgefreezer in here out of the way but there is no socket.

There is however a smaller fuse box (pictured) connected to the main unit and from this runs a wire to another single fuse box (your typical fuse box that you pop the fuse out of to replace - currently with a 5amp fuse). From this the wire runs into a 3 terminal junction box and powers 2 external lights outside our side door.

From doing some reading on this site I understand this is classed as a spur from the main ring circuit?

Is this likely to be connected to my lighting circuit in the main fuse box (and how can I tell)? If so I assume this cannot be used.

If not part of the lighting circuit, can the 5amp fuse be replaced with a 13amp and replace the junction box with a 4 terminal one and run the 4th terminal to a socket for my fridge?

Or can that fuse box (in the pic - was this installed just for the outdoor lights by the looks of it?) below my main box be used to wire a socket?

Cheers

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• ukal
• 18 Feb 2013
• 1

 

[Adam_151]

It is difficult to work out whats going on from what you describe, some more pictures may help.

Though your installation does appear to be in need of a EICR (electrical installation condition report) carrying out as it appears a little questionable.

Also note that in the picture you posted, there is rope seal on the door lid, you should bear in mind that it is highly likely that this has asbestos in, and there is likely a flashpad of similar material behind the fuse

 

[ukal]

Cheers Adam. We bought the house about 6 months ago and the electrics were never questioned. It's a 50's house.

What pics would helpand whats a flashpad?

Also can I just get rid of that seal from the door?

Thanks again

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

I would firstly do some IR testing on the circuit as looks like it may have had it's time.
The socket would also require RCD protection or circuit with mechanical protection and socket engraved for use of fridge only.
Personally I would remove it and replace with new unit.

 

[Adam_151]

We could do with a wider shot showing everything

The rope seal is not critical to the operation of the unit, but i suggest you do not attempt to remove it as that is likely to release friable material into the wider environment.

Flash pads are a small cloth like pad behind the fuse wire, placed there to catch the molten copper when the fuse blows and stop it leaving a conductive path on the the cermanic.

Pictures: http://www.marstonenvironmentalservices.co.uk/pictures/gallery_1/item11/mid/0475.jpg

http://www.marstonenvironmentalservices.co.uk/pictures/gallery_1/item61/thumb/DSCF2536.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i62/RFLighting/IMGP2897-1.jpg

HSE have a guidence note on asbetos containing switch gear. http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/a33.pdf

The correct action normally cosists of isolating, cutting the cables without pulling fuses, spraying PVA solution to trap any fibres and then double bagging in labelled sacks and disposing of

 

[ukal]

thanks for the replies.

Here is a wider shot. I had to replace some fuse wire the other day and there was defo no asbestos pads there (cant really take one out not to show you). So I presume it was just that old fuse box with some.

I understand it is still an old setup. Do you think I would need it updating and a new RCD installing before going ahead with anything such as fitting a new socket?

Any idea on costs for an electrician to update this setup?

Cheers again

Untitled

• ukal
• 18 Feb 2013
• 1

 

[ricicle]

I think it's more than likely that you will need some substantial cabling works or a complete rewire in the very near future so don't go decorating anytime soon.
I would personally get an EICR done by a competant electrician.

 

[ukal]

Do you know what the going rate is for an EICR roughly?

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Do you know what the going rate is for an EICR roughly?

£150-£200

Where in Yorkshire are you?
Is there an earth conductor?

 

[ukal]

We're in Leeds.

We defo have an earth in our socket circuit so I assume so?

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

We're in Leeds.

That a shame, I'm working in Bingley, could have nipped in and took a gander!

We defo have an earth in our socket circuit so I assume so?

Never assume, that means bugga all! Is there an earth conductor connected to you incoming supply cable, that goes to the fuse box?

 

[ukal]

Appreciate the thought though mate.

So how can I tell.if I have an earth conductor? Looking below the fuse box I don't see anything thst resembles something like one. We have a Yorks Electric box with a cable coming from the floor but I presume that's the main feed

How come you ask? Does having one mean the electrics aren't as old and dangerous as first thought?!

 

[Spark123]

If there is no earth to the consumer unit then it is dangerous. Time for an EICR I think

 

[ban-all-sheds]

If there is no earth to the consumer unit then it is dangerous.

Particularly in an installation with no RCD.

Time for an EICR I think

As a matter of some urgency.

Ukal - where does that bare wire coming from the supply cable sheath go? That's what's supposed to provide your earth.....

 

[Scoby_Beasley]

Looks like it may terminate in a choc block inside
main fuse (DNO's) case. (first picture).