Additional socket

[gwatcheater]

Hi there,

I have a double socket supplied by a single wire (1mm) that runs direct to the CU (about 2 metres away) and has its own trip switch. The cable runs inside a cupboard.

Can I add another socket in between the CU and the existing socket?

Currently using a 4 way extension lead - but need to add extra appliances namely:

TV
Sky Box
DVD player
BT Wireless Hub
Phone base station
Vodafone signal booster
Lamp

what is the best way to do this?

thanks

 

[Taylortwocities]

What is the operating current of the trip switch?

If your cable is 1mm² then that trip switch needs to be no more than 6amp. The cable is way to small to cope with the possible load from a double socket (26amp!).

The cable should be 2.5mm² and the trip switch should be no more than 20amp.

Once you have sorted that out then you can add another socket.

 

[gwatcheater]

What is the operating current of the trip switch?

If your cable is 1mm² then that trip switch needs to be no more than 6amp. The cable is way to small to cope with the possible load from a double socket (26amp!).

The cable should be 2.5mm² and the trip switch should be no more than 20amp.

Once you have sorted that out then you can add another socket.

Looks like B16 on the trip - this was installed by an electrician when we had the new CU installed(!!!!)

So really until the cable is upgraded - nothing should be done?

 

[Taylortwocities]

What makes you think the cable is 1mm².

The size is the cross sectional area of the conductor. It may be the right size. Does it look the same size as the conductors in the back of the other sockets in the house, or the same size as the cables in the lighting circuits?

If its 2.5mm and the breaker is 16amp then you'll be OK to add another socket. But note that the total max load will be 16amp - but there's nothing that you've listed that pulls much current.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

//www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:flatpvccables

 

[flameport]

A B16 circuit breaker can be used with 1mm cable in some circumstances.

The circuit could therefore be perfectly fine, if somewhat unusual.