Outside socket cabling?

[circlestech]

Hello,

I'm going to be install 3 outside sockets along a fence attached to the posts. To run the cable i will be running conduit from the living room power socket. Now the question what cabling do i need for the job?

This was the cable i thought was right?
http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/...12596&ts=05921

Then i found this for running through conduits?
http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/...31784&ts=05975

Thanks

[Wicked_and_Crazy]

for starters you shouldnt be spuring off of a living room socket to outside sockets. The outside sockets should have their own breaker.

[Graham M]

If the 3-core will fit in the conduit, that is probably your best bet. Oops wicked is right, I didn't notice that. A fuse switch is also acceptable I beleive.

[circlestech]

We had a bloke in last year who fitted an outside socket with RCD who has wired it directly into one of our sockets as well which is wired in to another off the living room sockets?

---------- Post added at 21:37 ---------- Previous post was at 21:37 ----------

I'm going to be fitting in an fused isolater switch so i will have -Socket-Fused isolater-Outside sockets-

[Wicked_and_Crazy]

Originally Posted by Zeph

If the 3-core will fit in the conduit, that is probably your best bet.

p

errmmmm i dont think 1.5mm is good enough for sockets. Im a long time out of this game but 2.5mm would be my bet for a start. The reason i didnt answer this part of the question was because IMHO from what you have said i dont think you should be attempting this job as you approaching it totally wrongly from a safety point of view, cable loading point of view. Part P is an attempt to improve electrical safety in the home, there is a reason for this!

---------- Post added at 21:43 ---------- Previous post was at 21:42 ----------

Originally Posted by benheaven

I'm going to be fitting in an fused isolater switch so i will have -Socket-Fused isolater-Outside sockets-

RCD should be used rather than a fuse

[circlestech]

I've done 1 socket for my nan which i installed with a fused switch which is running off 2.5mm Conduit Wiring Cable Blue,green,brown which has been wired in for nearly a year and haven't had any problems.

So maybe i should change my nan's from a fused connection to an RCD?

[Wicked_and_Crazy]

Originally Posted by benheaven

I've done 1 socket for my nan which i installed with a fused switch which is running off 2.5mm Conduit Wiring Cable Blue,green,brown which has been wired in for nearly a year and haven't had any problems.

using a nail instead of a fuse wouldn't cause a problem BUT ITS NOT SAFE!!

[circlestech]

So basically if i use 2.5mm min and an RCD breaker that would improve safety? I've just spoken to my uncle who does a lot of electrical work and he saying to use SWA cable that is 2.5mm or maybe 4.0mm and get outside sockets that are RCD.

[r1ch]

Legally, since part P came in you need to get your local building regulations people to sign off on this or you can be fined up to £5000.

[bopdude]

Originally Posted by benheaven

So basically if i use 2.5mm min and an RCD breaker that would improve safety? I've just spoken to my uncle who does a lot of electrical work and he saying to use SWA cable that is 2.5mm or maybe 4.0mm and get outside sockets that are RCD.

As has been stated, you're not qualified under section P to carry out the work, as for cabling, yes 2.5 is the norm, depending on the load you may have to run a seperate sub circuit, this in turn, may have to be a ring main, so you'll need 2 2.5mm cables, I'm to long outta the game to recall how many 'spurs' you can run as a radial off a ring main, this cicuit will need to be fed via an RCD for saftey's sake, you could then use RCD socket outlets but it's an unnessacery expence as your curcuit's already covered.

HTH

[Rob]

you can only run one spur off any one socket on a radial circuit or ring circuit, although I don't think there is a limit to the number of spurs on a circuit. Since one spur can only support a twin socket that rules out the OP's requirements. Easiest to add a complete new circuit wired to it's own RCD.

I'd want to see an RCD protecting the circuit (incase any part of the cuircuit was damaged) rather than just RCD sockets (protect just what is plugged into them)

You'll need at least 2.5mm wires, radial circuit i.e. only one wire out will suffice if the total load is less than 20A, if above that but less than 32A then a ring circuit (one wire out and another back).

Ultimately you can do this yourself but must then get the local authority to sign off under Part P Building Regs, due to it a) being in the garden b) adding a new circuit. Given the questions you are asking I'd say you should get a professional to do the job.

[circlestech]

Yeah,

I'm going to be phoning around today to get prices to get a pro in.

Thanks for the advice Guys!

[circlestech]

Hello,

Got a bloke coming tommorow to install 3 sockets and 2 lights in our shed and a great quote too :P


Thanks for all your help guys

[Rob]

Glad you have it under control. Just make sure he takes care of Part P stuff, and leaves you a completion certificate to say that he has done all work to the IEE regulations standards.

[circlestech]

Cheers Rob