I have wiring for an external light with a switch on the inside, can I use the same light wiring to fix a 2 gang weatherproof socket socket on the outside instead of a light possibly extending the cable down the wall to where the external socket would be installed- is that allowed under regulations?
Electric socket off external light wiring
- Thread starter kevsw
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Hi is that a no full stop or can something be added/changed to make it compatible/compliant?
What type of appliance would the socket be used for?
There may be another way round this.
There may be another way round this.
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The wiring for the light, and the fuse protecting it, are too small for the current that could be pulled from a device using the socket.
The only thing you could add is a completely new circuit from the fuseboard (notifiable work) or to power your new socket from a nearby existing socket that is on a ring final.[/b]
The only thing you could add is a completely new circuit from the fuseboard (notifiable work) or to power your new socket from a nearby existing socket that is on a ring final.[/b]
Normally you would expect a domestic lighting circuit to be rated at 5A-6A at the fuse board.
A socket circuit would again normally be rated at 20A-32A.
If you install a double socket or even a single socket on a lighting circuit, you are going to create loading problems and very likely experience energy/power loss.
So you must extend and existing socket circuit or create a new circuit.
Cable must follow the permitted safe zones and the new cable if buried in to the fabric of the building, will likely require RCD protection, but excluding that the socket definitely will require RCD protection.
To add to the above, even if you tried to connect a socket to a switch point on a lighting circuit there is a distinct possibility that there would be no neutral at the switch, some socket would not function and a possibility depending on age of property and competence of installer that there is no earth at the switch, thus making it dangerous and non-compliant to regulations to have a socket installed to it.
Best option is to extend an existing socket circuit in the house, if no RCD protection exists on this circuit fit a RCD Fused Connection at the supply socket and extend externally. If you have RCD protection fit a double pole isolator at the existing socket then extend from there.
You must make sure, if the circuit is a ring final circuit that you have not taking the feed/supply connection from a unfused spurred socket.
legally you would be required to prove the work you are doing is safe, both during installation and prior to commissioning.
My question to you, would be how do you intend to do that?
A socket circuit would again normally be rated at 20A-32A.
If you install a double socket or even a single socket on a lighting circuit, you are going to create loading problems and very likely experience energy/power loss.
So you must extend and existing socket circuit or create a new circuit.
Cable must follow the permitted safe zones and the new cable if buried in to the fabric of the building, will likely require RCD protection, but excluding that the socket definitely will require RCD protection.
To add to the above, even if you tried to connect a socket to a switch point on a lighting circuit there is a distinct possibility that there would be no neutral at the switch, some socket would not function and a possibility depending on age of property and competence of installer that there is no earth at the switch, thus making it dangerous and non-compliant to regulations to have a socket installed to it.
Best option is to extend an existing socket circuit in the house, if no RCD protection exists on this circuit fit a RCD Fused Connection at the supply socket and extend externally. If you have RCD protection fit a double pole isolator at the existing socket then extend from there.
You must make sure, if the circuit is a ring final circuit that you have not taking the feed/supply connection from a unfused spurred socket.
legally you would be required to prove the work you are doing is safe, both during installation and prior to commissioning.
My question to you, would be how do you intend to do that?
Thanks to all those who replied I just want to use it for electric lawnmower and Christmas lights- sounds like the solution is to spur off existing internal socket? I would get electrician to do it anyway just wanted to ask if it is possible.
Not really possible.
You should have enough sockets inside the house to easily feed a new outdoor socket - a far more satisfactory job.
Attention should be given as far as the Christmas lights go. All to often they come with a transformer built into the plug, which means the lid on the outdoor socket won't close.
Large waterproof enclosures are available, some where sockets can be fitted inside too, so leads can emerge from the bottom.
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