External Sockets

[Diggory]

I’d like to get a couple of external power sockets fitted to our bungalow. In both cases, I’d need to bring the supply down externally from the loft space (I’ve bought some Prysmian Armoured 2.5mm^2, clips & Glands).

I’ve since seen some references to the use of conduit when installing like this - am I okay to simply use the clipped SWA.

My existing Ring Main is on a new BG fuse board and protected with BG CUCRB32A 32A/30mA. I do have a spare slot on the board but it’s a fair run from one of the sockets; can I have the new sockets as spurs or will they need to run in SWA all the way back to board.

I will get my electrician to do the qualified stuff - I’m just doing a bit of hole drilling and prep.

Thanks in advance

D

 

[flameport]

am I okay to simply use the clipped SWA.

Yes, SWA does not need conduit or any other coverings.

can I have the new sockets as spurs

Yes.

 

[Diggory]

Many thx quick reply.

Best D

 

[boringoldcodger]

I will get my electrician to do the qualified stuff - I’m just doing a bit of hole drilling and prep.

I believe your electrician, when (s)he issues the Electrical Installation Certificate, will have to sign that (s)he's designed the circuit(s) so you should get his/her agreement to what you're doing beforehand.

 

[Diggory]

.D

 

[mattylad]

Re the external sockets, I see many complaining that you cannot fit a molded plug or was it an adapter in them and the lid would not close.
Something like that anyway - so check that the one you buy will actually be good for your intended use.

 

[Diggory]

That hadn’t occurred to me - thx.
Any recommendations for a good quality socket box ?
D

 

[blup]

13A 2 Gang DP Weatherproof Switched Socket - IP66 | BG (WP22-02)

 

[morqthana]

I will get my electrician to do the qualified stuff - I’m just doing a bit of hole drilling and prep.

And buying materials.

 

[Diggory]

BGWP22

Thx - bought a couple

D

 

[ericmark]

There are outside socket boxes with extra room, never used one, so can't say how good.

As to the minor works certificate, think only space for one signature, but the installation certificate does have a three signature version, so you can sign for design and installation and someone else can sign for the inspection and testing.

Where it falls down is where you need a completion or compliance certificate, in Wales, no idea in England, it costs £100 plus vat for the completion certificate, more if the LABC want a contract electrician to do the inspection and testing, and a system member can't sign off someone work by someone else. England electricians can pay more for their membership can sign off work by someone else, but in the main it is so an electrician can sign off plumbers work, and very few have paid the extra, so good look finding anyone who can sign it off.

However, in England the garden is not a special location, so you don't need a completion or compliance certificate.

I got a BG socket box, and it will only take one of their sockets, so you can't fit a BS 1363/EV socket into the box, or any other special.

 

[Diggory]

I got a BG socket box, and it will only take one of their sockets, so you can't fit a BS 1363/EV socket into the box, or any other special.

Thanks - I don’t intend to charge a vehicle from either socket (I’m assuming that’s what the EV refers to).

Mostly for outdoor festoon lights / Christmas lights. Occasional higher load use of pressure washer / portable induction plate (both are circa 3kW).

Down the road, I was hoping I could change the socket face plate (lighting) to a Smart socket - to control lights rather than timers etc.

Thx D

 

[ericmark]

The outside socket is not really big enough to take transformers and socket adaptors.

I have sockets in the shed with adaptors, but with outside sockets, only way is an adaptor on the supply to the socket, or smart bulbs.

 

[foxhole]

Thanks - I don’t intend to charge a vehicle from either socket (I’m assuming that’s what the EV refers to).

Mostly for outdoor festoon lights / Christmas lights. Occasional higher load use of pressure washer / portable induction plate (both are circa 3kW).

Down the road, I was hoping I could change the socket face plate (lighting) to a Smart socket - to control lights rather than timers etc.

Thx D

You can purchase with smart socket .Why change later ? Why run from loft ? Spur off existing circuit thru wall ?

 

[Diggory]

Why run from loft ? Spur off existing circuit thru wall ?

Thx reply / suggestion - very old house with very few sockets and those that I have aren’t near where I’d like the external sockets.
It’s a bungalow so thankfully the SWA runs aren’t excessive and I can run them somewhat discretely (one parallel to a black gutter down pipe and the other tucked in an internal porch corner).

You can purchase with smart socket .Why change later ?

I didn’t know that - I’ll have a look.
I assumed I’d have to buy something like the ‘Aqara Wall Outlet H2’ and swap.
Although I’ve noted they can be a bit thicker than standard.

Thx D