Outside Socket

rob1993 · Mar 26, 2014

Hi there iv been asked to install 2 outside sockets and was wondering the best way people would do this.

first things first the ring is currently not rcd protected so could I get away with getting 2 outdoor rcd sockets instead of putting an rcbo on the whole circuit??
also what would be the best way to wire it, by splitting the ring or would it be okay to put a FCU which then feeds both sockets?

MDJ · Mar 26, 2014

Yup a different job now, you want 2 16 amp caravan sockets with isolators on them and convert to tt at the sockets, 2 16 amp supplies direct from the DB

rob1993 · Mar 26, 2014

could I not just put 2 16a rcbos in the DB and then from there take a supply to a caravan socket outside?

Octopus · Mar 26, 2014

rob1993 said:
could I not just put 2 16a rcbos in the DB and then from there take a supply to a caravan socket outside?

Probably the best way assuming the CU has space and RCBO's are available for it!

rob1993 · Mar 26, 2014

cool thanks what about earthing arrangments?

Octopus · Mar 26, 2014

rob1993 said:
cool thanks what about earthing arrangements?

Time to consult your BGB?

MDJ · Mar 26, 2014

rob1993 said:
cool thanks what about earthing arrangments?

if it is for 2 caravans i would buy the dual 16 amp units in one enclosure from denmans which is about 70 notes and drop the earth off in a wago on the din rail in it. Then whack a 5 ft rod in the ground by the socket and use that earth in the sockets. The unit I am talking about comes with 2 rcds in it and is designed to run 2 16 amp caravans. you could feed it on a 32 amp mcb, JMO

Top Cat · Mar 26, 2014

Hope that's not a skinny earth rod or the pr*t that's a tw*t will get on his high horse again!:59:

MDJ said:
if it is for 2 caravans i would buy the dual 16 amp units in one enclosure from denmans which is about 70 notes and drop the earth off in a wago on the din rail in it. Then whack a 5 ft rod in the ground by the socket and use that earth in the sockets. The unit I am talking about comes with 2 rcds in it and is designed to run 2 16 amp caravans. you could feed it on a 32 amp mcb, JMO

MDJ · Mar 26, 2014

Top Cat said:
Hope that's not a skinny earth rod or the pr*t that's a tw*t will get on his high horse again!:59:

nah I use the big ones with the threads on the end, easy to add more on if the reading can't be obtained, anyhow hello M8

MDJ · Mar 26, 2014

I have tried to upload a picture of the unit I was referring to M8, but the site is struggling a bit at the moment, I will try later if I can cheers.

Richard Burns · Mar 26, 2014

One of these perhaps?

MDJ · Mar 26, 2014

Richard Burns said:
One of these perhaps?

View attachment 23895

Very Very similar richard yes, the only difference is the 16 amp sockets are on the front, but that is basically what I was suggesting to the OP, Thanks.

uksparks · Mar 26, 2014

MDJ said:
Yup a different job now, you want 2 16 amp caravan sockets with isolators on them and convert to tt at the sockets, 2 16 amp supplies direct from the DB

I agree, but you could argue that and not TT it, just say you are installing two outdoor power points. It's up to them what they plug in it, there's no difference you installing an outside socket or a blue outside socket, just happens to be a different shape and colour.

Look at it this way, why should you TT it just because it's blue and round? It's only a power point at the end of the day.

uksparks · Mar 26, 2014

Just to add to my previous comment, obviously RCD protect it if it's outside.

Im sure you see what I'm saying, if you fit a normal 13A socket it's all good, I know why but why should you TT it because it's a different shape?

Hawkmoon · Mar 27, 2014

uksparks said:
Just to add to my previous comment, obviously RCD protect it if it's outside.

Im sure you see what I'm saying, if you fit a normal 13A socket it's all good, I know why but why should you TT it because it's a different shape?

What is the earthing arrangements (couldn't see if OP stated that) -

For this TT question (and RCBO issues) have a look at BGB 708.553.1.......

MDJ · Mar 27, 2014

uksparks said:
I agree, but you could argue that and not TT it, just say you are installing two outdoor power points. It's up to them what they plug in it, there's no difference you installing an outside socket or a blue outside socket, just happens to be a different shape and colour.

Look at it this way, why should you TT it just because it's blue and round? It's only a power point at the end of the day.

Depends on the original earthing arrangement. If there is a TNS system in place then agree no tt, just use the TNS earth available and bobs your uncle. If however it is a TNC-S/PME then I would TT. Section 7 is quite clear about that regarding caravan supplies and that unit is for caravans. I think as the customer has told the OP the supplies are for 2 caravans he must adhere to the regs in this case.