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

 

[Pete E]

That takes me back to my child hood as you had an adapter plugged it so the iron and light worked at the sam time.

I remember my nan having that set up as well...What sockets she had on the walls (one per room IIRC) were all the old round pin...

I think some might have been only for 2 pin plugs as well?

 

[Squid]

I remember my nan having that set up as well...What sockets she had on the walls (one per room IIRC) were all the old round pin...

I think some might have been only for 2 pin plugs as well?

Lol and "nipple" switches.

 

[Pete E]

Lol and "nipple" switches.

I seem to recall Basil Fawlty having an issue with those!

 

[Spoon]

I loved Faulty Towers.

 

[digger123]

Dksander I found your first post in this thread appalling I think you jumped the gun, you didn’t establish the clients need nor questioned what he was trying to achieve you used terms like ‘absolute no no and the guy is a dangerous cowboy along with idiot and dangerous situation’. From my reading this guy ‘suggested dropping a spur off the lighting circuit in the attic’ he may of meant to a FCU and hard wire a tv,dvd combo unit, high level on a stud wall. Which would be a perfectly acceptable solution, with no need for any ripsaws or chasing.

As for your remark about ‘cowboys forum’, I stand by both methods I mentioned in my first post, if done by a competent person there is no reason either would not comply with regs.

My advice to the op, get a qualified spark who can assess the situation and make professional recommendations, But if you see dksanders coming up the path with a ripsaw shut the door.

 

[Pete999]

Speak for yourself Dave I've quit drinking Alcohol, now where's me beer?

Morning Tel

 

[telectrix]

Another quick question...When I get this done, what paperwork would a legit Spark leave me re testing and inspection?

if an existing circuit , a MWC. if a new circuit, then a EIC.

 

[telectrix]

Morning Tel

morning, pete. bin a bit rough for a week or so, but improving. had worst cough ever for some time, but it's getting better.

 

[Pete999]

morning, pete. bin a bit rough for a week or so, but improving. had worst cough ever for some time, but it's getting better.

You need to give the weed a miss Tel, still glad you are on the mend

 

[Ben0506]

I'm not a spark but the first thing that jumped into my mind as modern TVs are normally less than 1 amp was that you could put in one of those round pin lighting sockets spurred from the lighting circuit.

Then I saw someone getting trashed for the suggestion...

You can get fused round pin 5 amp plugs:
http://cpc.farnell.com/mk/641whi/5a-fused-round-pin-plug/dp/PL01928

As the pros say, you would definitely want to get a proper spark in so that the abnormal arrangement would be certified etc....

As an aside, I was thinking that household electrics are likely to change hugely in the future as more and more stuff is lower power. If I think about what I have plugged in nowadays, nearly everything is transformed to 12/5v DC via a brick or a usb socket. Given a chance I'd love a 12/5v circuit in every room, especially when solar panels output is inverted to the 240v AC, then transformed back to lower voltage dc by most of the things that it powers, all of which is inefficient. As I say, I'm not a spark, but would be interested in pro opinions...

 

[alasdairp]

Sorry for this late comment. I only usually see the week's listing at the end of the week. I didn't see anyone mention FP200 Gold (or similar) fire-proof screened cables. As I understand the rules, as long as the circuit is RCD protected, you have much more flexibility about routing. It is a joy to work with and very usefull for difficult spurs. I have used it for all the wiring in my house extension. The wire is considerably more expensive but it can make a difficult routing job much easier. Comments welcome.

 

[David M]

Then I saw someone getting trashed for the suggestion...


As the pros say, you would definitely want to get a proper spark in so that the abnormal arrangement would be certified etc....

Yes getting a qualified person in to determine what is the best course of action is sound advice.
The first consideration being, in this case, what is the socket going to be used for and is it likely to be used for anything other than that purpose.

 

[Gareth Brookes]

What type of wall is it

 

[Phillip]

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.

 

[Risteard]

well you learn something new everyday .

I still maintain that it's not a professional nor future proof safe, solution. I would never contemplate doing it but each to their own ....(conscience).

Assuming that the circuit is RCD protected, what exactly is unsafe about it?