Bad Advice From A "Spark" ???

[Pete E]

I would like an additional electric socket put in the bedroom to do away with the need for an extension cable.

Its not an urgent job and its something I have put off getting done due to the hassle factor of having to lift laminate and floor boards, not to mention emptying the bedroom of furniture to give a Spark access.

While chatting to a friend of a friend who is a self employed builder/spark/plumber, he suggested dropping a spur off the lighting circuit in the attic???? Surely that's a big no-no or is it allowed under certain circumstances?

The only reason I was chatting to this guy is that I have seen some of his work re laminated flooring and it was very good, and I was sounding him out for doing the flooring aspect of the job.. I was therefore a bit taken a back when he suggested dropping the feed down from above...

Also, how do you verify if a person is actually qualified as a Spark? Do they have to register with the local council or anything?

Thanks in advance,

Peter

 

[Pete999]

Hum............. jack of all, master of none!

Reminds me of some of the builder/plumber/plasterer types who profess to be "OK with Electrics" as well, I'm OK with a bit of plastering ( as long as is ain't to large) can do a bit of building / plumbing as well, but no way would I consider myself as competent, let alone confident neither would I charge anyone, except for electrikery work.

 

[dksanders]

NO it's complete bollox

You're right, I was thinking of wooden accessory backs when I put that.

 

[Pete999]

You're right, I was thinking of wooden accessory backs when I put that.

Wooden accessory backs, sorry don't understand, can you explain?

 

[Sw33tnuff]

Don't risk this cowboy, get a qualified sparky to do the job. Peace of mind & your home insurance.

 

[Devonchris]

Wooden accessory backs, sorry don't understand, can you explain?

Something like this?

Wooden Mounting Pattress to suit 4 Dome Switches - https://www.broughtons.com/store/product/93334/wooden-mounting-pattress-to-suit-4-dome-switches/

 

[ipf]

Sometimes, my back feels a bit wooden these days.
Should I risk getting an odd job man out?

 

[Pete999]

Something like this?

Wooden Mounting Pattress to suit 4 Dome Switches - https://www.broughtons.com/store/product/93334/wooden-mounting-pattress-to-suit-4-dome-switches/

Ah right thanks, I can recall fitting that type of thing back when Jesus played in goal for Bethlehem.

 

[dksanders]

Wooden accessory backs, sorry don't understand, can you explain?

Fortunately I don't come across it so much now, but some of the really old properties I've dealt with in the New Forest have dolly style switches mounted onto a square wooden back plate. The switches do not have any e.g. bakelite enclosing back to them and so are mounted directly in wood. The cable (often rubber sheathed) passed though a hole in the wooden plate and is wired directly to the switch.

 

[Devonchris]

Me too. 13th going on 14th edition. Ron Springett played in goal for England

 

[Jay Sparks]

Ah right thanks, I can recall fitting that type of thing back when Jesus played in goal for Bethlehem.

They only pit him in goal coz he was good on crosses!...............sorry, that was rubbish. I hang my head in shame.lol

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Of course, a lot depends on where you want the new socket.
It could be that the easiest thing to do is channel a horizontal chase from an existing socket to where you want the new socket.
Or it might be that there is an existing socket the other side of the wall that you could spur from.

 

[Pete E]

Nonsense, this does not guarantee that someone is qualified or competent, there are far too many cowboys registered with these schemes.
Also many of us are qualified and experienced but not registered with those schemes.

I think that discussion would warrant thread on its own..Its also why before having any tradesman in to do any work, I like to have some knowledge of the area concerned so I can make informed decisions...

 

[Pete E]

Don't risk this cowboy, get a qualified sparky to do the job. Peace of mind & your home insurance.

I agree...plus why pay for a cowboy when I can bodge with the best of them and for free!

 

[Pete E]

Of course, a lot depends on where you want the new socket.
It could be that the easiest thing to do is channel a horizontal chase from an existing socket to where you want the new socket.
Or it might be that there is an existing socket the other side of the wall that you could spur from.

No sockets on the other side of the wall as it backs onto the stair well and it would be a long run to chase it out it horizontally with a doorway to take into consideration...

No, unless an electrician can come up with a fiendishly devilish idea, I suspect the floor boards will need to come up...As I said earlier, its not urgent, so it can wait until the decorating is due...

 

[Pete999]

Have you actually spoken to an Electrician, who would be able to came and give you an informed opinion and a quotation for what you require, rather than the dipstick who told you to spur of the lighting circuit.?