Adding a plug socket

[scottpetrie]

Hi
I am looking to add a plug socket, possibly 2 onto my living room wall for my tv. I have a plug socket already at each side of the room, and tv will be in between these built into a false chimney breast. Could someone please give me a wiring diagram of what Id be looking to do to achieve this, also what would I be looking for at the existing socket(s) to know if this is possible or not?
Thanks

 

[ericmark]

1) What size is the supply to the existing socket? 32A, 20A, etc,
2) Is the supply RCD protected.
What you need to do is work out if existing socket is
A) Supplied by a ring final.
B) Supplied by a radial.
C) A spur.
D) A fused spur.
This changes what is required, so looking for fused connection units (FCU) miniature circuit breakers (MCB) residual current device (RCD) fuse, or RCBO with is a RCD and MCB combined. In theory the inspection and testing required to fit an extra socket means it is not a DIY job, in practice it is often done, but it means to give a step by step instructions is pointless as you can't possible follow them for a reasonable price.

The test equipment costs over £100 even second hand, but their are plug in testers that will highlight the major faults, I am sure most DIY people don't even check polarity, just everything forward and trust to the lord, but can't really tell a DIY guy to do that.

I am sure most people at times break the speed limit when driving, but for the driving instructor to tell you to break the speed limit is clearly wrong, same with DIY electrics.

P.S. Just seen your other post, looking at electrics in your garage, likely an extension lead is your best option.

 

[conny]

If the existing outlets are singles, (1 gang), you can simply switch them for double, (2 gang), with no extra wiring involved.
This of course assumes the existing sockets are correctly wired and that you correctly connect the new ones.

 

[scottpetrie]

If the existing outlets are singles, (1 gang), you can simply switch them for double, (2 gang), with no extra wiring involved.
This of course assumes the existing sockets are correctly wired and that you correctly connect the new ones.

Its not the actual sockets that is the problem, it is their location

 

[scottpetrie]

1) What size is the supply to the existing socket? 32A, 20A, etc,
2) Is the supply RCD protected.
What you need to do is work out if existing socket is
A) Supplied by a ring final.
B) Supplied by a radial.
C) A spur.
D) A fused spur.
This changes what is required, so looking for fused connection units (FCU) miniature circuit breakers (MCB) residual current device (RCD) fuse, or RCBO with is a RCD and MCB combined. In theory the inspection and testing required to fit an extra socket means it is not a DIY job, in practice it is often done, but it means to give a step by step instructions is pointless as you can't possible follow them for a reasonable price.

The test equipment costs over £100 even second hand, but their are plug in testers that will highlight the major faults, I am sure most DIY people don't even check polarity, just everything forward and trust to the lord, but can't really tell a DIY guy to do that.

I am sure most people at times break the speed limit when driving, but for the driving instructor to tell you to break the speed limit is clearly wrong, same with DIY electrics.

P.S. Just seen your other post, looking at electrics in your garage, likely an extension lead is your best option.

Okay, so could link all lights together c/w PIR, but instead of having a mains supply, wire them to a plug and a plug in RCD? Or have each light wired to its own plug then plugged into an extension bar c/w RCD?

 

[ericmark]

There is always a way around a problem, what you do in real terms is assess the risk and decide what is acceptable, no one is going to say break the rules, I would not tell you to drive a 40 in a 30 limit, but likely some time you have.

The problem arises where to try and obey the rules you do some thing daft, what you need is common sense.