Outside light query

[scottmeister71]

Don't shoot me if this is a stupid question to ask but I want to install a new external light on the outside of my garage but the only nearby accessible power is a standard mains socket. My question is can I use a standard 3 pin plug on the end of the new light cable and plug it into the mains using a 3amp fuse?

 

[jec911]

This is what I have inherited in my current house!

It obviously works and is convenient - however, I hate the trailing wire and the fact one of my garage sockets is being used!

I intend to change it but from a common-sense point of view - I would imagine if you fitted a fused spur from a mains socket, you are effectively doing the same thing as if you fitted a mains plug and just plugged it in. You might do better with a 5 amp fuse though as this seems to be the normal rating for this kind of application...

The more qualified here would be able to advise whether this is a 'good idea' or not.

 

[Johnny101]

Best thing to do is to take a switched FCU as a spur from your socket and wire your external light to that.

 

[Spark123]

But rules being rules;

If it is a ring main you should only take a spur from a socket on the ring,

If the socket is already a spur you may fit a 13A FCU before the socket. You can then fit a 3A FCU to the socket,
i.e. Supply-> 13A FSU ->Socket ->3A FSU - >Light

If it is a radial you may extend it to incorporate the FCU, use the same size cable as the rest of the radial.

Maximum floor surface area served by:
30A/32A ring = 100m²
30A/32A radial = 75m²
20A radial = 50m²

Or as the originator says, stick a plug on it