Extending basic garage electrics

[Bodge_the_Builder]

This is my first post. I found this forum by accident - wish i'd seen it years ago

I have a detached garage in which electricity supllies a metclad double socket via a garage consumer unit (installed by a qualified electrician last year). A spur comes from the socket to supply a fluorescent lighting via a 20A DP switch.

I want to run a separate light circuit from the 6A MCB which will supply the existing fluorescent light and run to another fluorescent light at the other end of the garage, and possibly to a new light I'd like to install on the outside wall.

i'm then considering extending a radial circuit from the double socket to give me another 2 double sockets at the other end of the garage (one for for the tumble dryer and freezer, the other for power tools, mower etc).

I consider myself a competent DIY'er and feel confident doing the work myself. However, after reading a few of the other posts I'm wondering if I should be doing this myself or getting a qualified electrician (you know, regs and those kinds of considerations).

Anyone know where I stand or any opinion on what I'm proposing to do?

 

[Steve]

Under part p you would need to inform local building control or use a self-certifying electrician.

I have a detached garage in which electricity supllies a metclad double socket via a garage consumer unit (installed by a qualified electrician last year). A spur comes from the socket to supply a fluorescent lighting via a 20A DP switch.

sure this isn't an FCU?

How many MCB ways does the garage consumer unit have? What RCD arrangements do you have? If you can, it may be a good idea to bypass any 30mA RCD you may have, just for the freezer and tumble dryer.

 

[Bodge_the_Builder]

Garage CU is supllied direct from main house CU on dedicated circuit and is RCD protected. Has 2 MCB's - 6A is not being used.

and yes.....it is a switched FCU, not 20A DP.

 

[Steve]

how come the 6A MCB was never used in the first place?

you can extend the circuit as you describe, it will be fine. Just bear in mind, if the RCD ever trips when you are away, it will take your frozen food with it.