Feed to Shed

[RyanM]

Hi Guys,

I've just moved in to a new house, and when viewing noticed there was a power feed to the shed, which I thought was an added bonus.

Now I'm in, and investigating things, there was actually no power in the shed.

The SWA is clipped to the fence, and goes to a junction box on the outside wall of the kitchen.

Opening this box, you can see the tails aren't connected to anything! But, there is a hole through the back of the JB, through the kitchen wall, and in to the back of the fused spur in the kitchen, which feeds an extract fan. The fused spur is RCD protected.

Now, I'd like to have power in the shed, but is this a safe way to do it? As it is RCD protected, and is protected by a fuse, which I imagine will be a pretty low rating? The shed is approx. 10m away from the house, so is exporting the earth ok?




Cheers

 

[DaveHerns]

Some will say that you can't spur off a spur . This sounds like a job someone started and couldn't complete for a good reason. Do you know what size the SWA is and what are your power requirements for the shed?

 

[RyanM]

Hi Dave,

The SWA looks like 2.5mm (could be 4).

I thought you could spur off as many times as you like from a fused spur? As it is protected by the 13A (maybe less) fuse?

The Spurs in the kitchen actually look like a ring of fused spurs, which in turn feed things like the extract fan, washing machine, fridge, freezer and oven.

For the shed, it would just be a light and a socket for a stereo - no power tools etc. Although I presume you could use power tools, as in reality, they don't pull my current, and you have the RCD protection and 13A fused - I could also install a garage CU for added protection?



Cheers

 

[ban-all-sheds]

The SWA looks like 2.5mm (could be 4).

Either is larger than needed if supplied via an FCU.

I thought you could spur off as many times as you like from a fused spur?

You may.

As it is protected by the 13A (maybe less) fuse?

Could well be less if it's supplying a fan.

I could also install a garage CU for added protection?

No point whatsoever.

All it would add would be complexity and cost - considerable cost if you do it properly.

 

[DetlefSchmitz]

Surprised no one has commented on the wire being clipped to the fence. This is not generally acceptable. It may depend on the exact arrangement, but should probably be queried.

 

[sparkwright]

Some will say that you can't spur off a spur .

Could you have another go at writing this statement?

 

[sparkwright]

It may be that the cable is not connected because there is a fault in the shed wiring which causes the RCD or MCB or fuse to blow.

Or it may be that the shed wiring was condemned by someone and therefore disconnected it.

An electrician should check and test it before trying to connect it back up.

Still, if you can, send photos - we may be able to give you better advice.

 

[RyanM]

Cheers guys!

I am going to get the rear garden re-paved, so thought they could dig a small trench at the same time, and bury the cable as it looks crap on the fence, and then get an electrician round to connect up and test.

I just didn't want to do any work, and then legally not be allowed to feed the shed from the FCU.



Thanks for the help

 

[sparkwright]

Well be certain the cable is in good nick before you bury and pave over it.

The fact it's not connected could suggest a fault, and we wouldn't want to lifting all those paving slabs up.

Can't you get it tested and working before you backfill the trench?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Or forget the cable and install a couple of ducts ready for new cables to be pulled through.

 

[endecotp]

You might like to find an electrician before you bury the cable.
Some/many will be unhappy to work on or sign off work on a cable they can't inspect.
If it's a straight run, considering buring conduit instead; then you can pull the cable through later.

 

[winston1]

The Spurs in the kitchen actually look like a ring of fused spurs, which in turn feed things like the extract fan, washing machine, fridge, freezer and oven.

Sounds like some DIYer with a bee in his bonnet but no understanding of fused spurs.

Washing machine, fridge, freezer and oven all come with 13A plugs so no further fused spurs are necessary.

 

[RF Lighting]

Or an electrician who has installed a ring final circuit and wants to fully comply with BS7671.

 

[winston1]

Or an electrician who has installed a ring final circuit and wants to fully comply with BS7671.

Please explain. As I said:


"Washing machine, fridge, freezer and oven all come with 13A plugs so no further fused spurs are necessary".

 

[Taylortwocities]

What has that twaddle to do with the supply to the shed?