Putting double socket in loft

[Taylortwocities]

If I were to use the lighting circuit, would it be best to cut into an existing cable and use junction box or just use an existing light fitting for the spur?

A ceiling rose has all the terminals you need. Why would you go chopping a perfectly good cable?

 

[Monkey789]

A ceiling rose has all the terminals you need. Why would you go chopping a perfectly good cable?

Because I’m an amateur and learning.

Hence asking the question.

 

[john4703]

I hope the lighting circuit is RCD protected then. Or it won’t be “perfectly safe”, will it?

I replaced the consumer unit a couple of years ago so it is all RCBOs so yes it is safe.

 

[jg321]

I am about to fit a single 13A unswitched socket near my front door to power an intercom.

I, personally, would be less comfortable with this, than with a 13A socket on the lighting circuit in the loft (which I have) - based on the increased likelihood of someone plugging a vacuum into a hallway socket (and just unplugging the wall wart for a few mins) - compared to in the loft.

That said, worst case scenario here, this happens, and the breaker/fuse operates - with nobody balancing precariously on joists.

In my opinion higher risk, but lower impact. I personally wouldn't do/advise it in the hallway - but of course it's your house/decision, so this is just my 2p.

 

[john4703]

I, personally, would be less comfortable with this, than with a 13A socket on the lighting circuit in the loft (which I have) - based on the increased likelihood of someone plugging a vacuum into a hallway socket (and just unplugging the wall wart for a few mins) - compared to in the loft.

That said, worst case scenario here, this happens, and the breaker/fuse operates - with nobody balancing precariously on joists.

In my opinion higher risk, but lower impact. I personally wouldn't do/advise it in the hallway - but of course it's your house/decision, so this is just my 2p.

I should have made it clear that the socket will be in a cupboard above the front door. The same cupboard contains the main fuse, the meter, the consumer unit etc and there is a much more convenient socket near ground level for the vacuum cleaner. It is neater to put a socket there then run cables from the wallwart on the surface to the intercom camera etc
Thanks jg21 for raising the issue that could be important in a different situation

 

[SimonH2]

I should have made it clear that the socket will be in a cupboard above the front door. The same cupboard contains the main fuse, the meter, the consumer unit etc and ...

So any specific reason put it on the lighting circuit when you are next to the CU and could put it on a socket circuit ?

 

[john4703]

So any specific reason put it on the lighting circuit when you are next to the CU and could put it on a socket circuit ?

Laziness as the lighting cables run on the surface across where I want the socket.

 

[AndyPRK]

and there is enough slack is there ?

 

[john4703]

and there is enough slack is there ?

There is plenty of slack.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Laziness.

Dreadful.

Pay someone who is more interested in doing it properly than you are to come and do it.

 

[winston1]

There is just one of the regulars in this forum who will take every opportunity to say that it "shouldn't be done" - and that despite the fact that 13A sockets are one of the things which the Wiring Regulations explicitly say may be fed from a lighting circuit!

Allowed or not it is indeed bad practice.

That's one consideration, but "his" usual argument is that someone might plug in a vacuum cleaner, tripping the lighting circuit and hence 'plunging the house into darkness'.
It will certainly 'work' - but I agree that it would be sensible to label it to indicate that it is on the lighting circuit (relevant for isolation, as you say) and hence only suitable for small loads.

Kind Regards, John

Or a fan heater or some other high powered device. In a loft with perhaps no floor boards. I would not want to be up there in darkness.

 

[crystal ball]

When I am welding in my loft I always have a torch with me

 

[bernardgreen]

welding in my loft I always have a torch with me

an oxy-acetylene torch does weld well in a loft

 

[Taylortwocities]

There is just one of the regulars in this forum who will take every opportunity to say that it "shouldn't be done"

If you wait long enough, that bus will eventually grind round the corner, with sickening and boring regularity.
Oh, look, here it comes now. Ding Ding!

Allowed or not it is indeed bad practice.

It is not bad practice.It is perfectly acceptable and (yawn yawn) it is specifically provided for in BS7671.
Its just that little devil in your head thinks that it is.
If you disagree with BS7671, go and get yourself on the committee and have an amendment published.

Up until then, please shut UP!

 

[winston1]

It is not bad practice.It is perfectly acceptable and (yawn yawn) it is specifically provided for in BS7671.
Its just that little devil in your head thinks that it is.
If you disagree with BS7671, go and get yourself on the committee and have an amendment published.

Up until then, please shut UP!

It clearly is bad practice. No doubt the regs will change one day. They are frequently updated.