Power from garage lighting

[DJM2022]

Hi - I am trying to find if there is a way to connect a spur to my garage light so that I can charge my mobility scooter battery which is 24v 8amp. Alternatively, any portable “power pack” which I could plug in my upstairs flat and bring down to charge mobility scooter(battery not removable)

 

[Notch7]

Possibly.

Not all lighting circuits (old ones) have an Earth, which would be an issue.

You would need a fused switch, so the socket can’t draw too much power.

I’m sure a pro electrician will be along to give you qualified advice.

 

[securespark]

What is the electrical installation like in the garage?
Eg cable and fuse size coming in?

Is it yours or rented?

 

[DJM2022]

Thanks.I am in the process of buying the flat with a garage in a block built in the 1970s so only know that there is a light inside and on the outside if the garage. Will try to find out more about earthing etc

 

[Tigercubrider]

are you anywhere near the garage?
Being directly above might help.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Assuming everything is otherwise OK, then you can add a 13amp socket to a lighting circuit, for low power uses such as you describe. It is best to carefully mark it up as such, so no one attempts to plug a normal load into it and maybe mount it if you can, where it's intended usage cannot be easily mistaken. Current limit should probably not exceed 4amps, so fit a 3amp fuse in the plug top.

 

[winston1]

Thanks.I am in the process of buying the flat with a garage in a block built in the 1970s so only know that there is a light inside and on the outside if the garage. Will try to find out more about earthing etc

It could well be that the lights are not on your supply but some communal supply which would mean you would not be allowed to add to it.

 

[DJM2022]

Thank you - I realise that might be the case but hope managing agents might make financial adjustment. Its really the principle of whether lighting circuit would give me 240v 8amp for mobility charger

 

[Taylortwocities]

Never do that. It is bad practice.

@DJM2022
This is where your topic will go to pieces.
The person posting the above is just voicing his personal opinion.
He may consider it to be “bad practice” but the British standard that electricians follow specifically allows a 13Amp socket to be connected to a lighting circuit.
Surely, if it were dangerous, or even bad practice, the regulations would forbid it?

It is up to you which advice you accept, either the personal opinion of someone who (he admits this) does not even own a copy of the current BS7671 document.
Or the correct guidance from other, experienced electricians who will tell you that this person is wrong.

PS you might like to ignore much of the other pedantry. Our friend never actually helps, he just throws in curved balls from behind his keyboard.

 

[Taylortwocities]

@DJM2022
Please can you advise which you mean. You started off saying

Hi - I am trying to find if there is a way to connect a spur to my garage light so that I can charge my mobility scooter battery which is 24v 8amp.

Then you have said

me 240v 8amp for mobility charger

there’s a vast difference. Which is right??

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Thank you - I realise that might be the case but hope managing agents might make financial adjustment. Its really the principle of whether lighting circuit would give me 240v 8amp for mobility charger

It will not be anything like an 8amp load at 240v, possibly 8amps at 24v output of the charger. No doubt Winston will have butted into the thread with his 'Wisdom' - best ignore to it, it doesn't have much of a clue generally. He quotes Winston rather than the Wisdom of the actual regulations.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

@DJM2022
Please can you advise which you mean. You started off saying
Then you have said


there’s a vast difference. Which is right??

Obvious really, it will draw less than 1amp at 240v.

 

[JohnD]

Hi - I am trying to find if there is a way to connect a spur to my garage light so that I can charge my mobility scooter battery which is 24v 8amp. Alternatively, any portable “power pack” which I could plug in my upstairs flat and bring down to charge mobility scooter(battery not removable)

If that is your requirement, the lighting circuit is adequate, and correct.

You are at liberty to attach a durable label "from lighting circuit, max. load 5Amps" or similar, to the switch or socket, if you wish.

If, like Winston, you have a requirement to connect a welding transformer, or a 3kW fan heater, or a cooker, or a hot tub, or some other large load, then the lighting circuit will not be adequate.

however, I am willing to believe that you have accurately described your requirement, in which you would be wise to ignore Winston, as he is ignoring your need.

The rest of us will try to ignore his foolish insults.

 

[DJM2022]

@DJM2022
Please can you advise which you mean. You started off saying
Then you have said


there’s a vast difference. Which is right??

Sorry typing error. The voltage from the lighting circuit is obviously 240v and the charger for the mobility scooter is 24v 8amp -

 

[Notch7]

Do it right then you will have enough power in your garage for future proofing

the garage is “on block” a new supply doesn’t seem realistic.

I am unsure there would be a need for future proofing - I don’t the OP will be installing a hot tub in his garage……