Altering Shower Circuit

[diynoob]

I'd like to add a plug in light in an alcove in the front room. The only socket is in the corner diagonally opposite though.

There's an unused shower switch in the alcove. Although I don't use it, it is a working dedicated shower circuit (Live=6mm², CPC=2.5mm², Rating=32A).

Can I disconnect the cable from the load side of the shower switch? Is it notifiable? Is it OK to change the use of this circuit, eg adding a 13A FCU to the load side of the shower switch and then 2.5mm² cable to a socket?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

There's an unused shower switch in the alcove.

What a very odd place to have a shower switch. A tad inconvenient, no?

Can I disconnect the cable from the load side of the shower switch?

Yes. Do make sure the power to it is off.

But why the load side? What's the point in keeping the switch?

Is it notifiable?

No.

Is it OK to change the use of this circuit,

Possibly. Is it on an RCD? The Wiring Regulations require sockets to have RCD protection.

If you change it, change the label on the CU.

eg adding a 13A FCU to the load side of the shower switch and then 2.5mm² cable to a socket?

Why keep the shower switch?

Why have an FCU?

Why not just replace the shower switch with a socket?

 

[diynoob]

Thanks BAS. Yes there's an MCB and RCD. The CU was replaced fairly recently by an electrician.

All 3 of the shower switches in the house are not in the bathrooms, they are in adjacent rooms. I assumed that was normal!

You're right, I may as well just replace the shower switch with a socket and keep the shower switch handy so it can be put back if I move. I'll power off and change the label on the CU ofc.

It's one of those double size (vertically) switches though. I could put in a double socket sideways I guess but it would look sh*te.