Bedroom socket extension

[ConH85]

I’m after some advice. I have a single socket in a bedroom where I’m putting some panelling. On the panelling I’m wanting 2 double usb sockets (one each side of the bed).

First question: Should I install a 20A unswitched flex outlet plate in place of the single socket to feed the 2 double usb sockets with some 2.5mm flex behind the panelling?

Second question: Would I be able to add a fused spur from each double socket to feed a wall hung lamp either side of the bed?

 

[littlespark]

The answers depend on whether this existing socket is part of a ring final circuit (32A circuit breaker) or not.
simple enough to extend the ring to both new sockets.

Even if its a radial circuit (16A) supply. Can branch off to wherever you need it.

and dont use flex. Use the proper 2.5mm twin and earth solid cable.

 

[telectrix]

first thoughts is if you no longer need the single socket, replace with a 13A Fused connection Unit. then spur off to your 2 new sockets. then a 5A FCU from each new socket for each lamp. ( or just 1 5a FCU from 1 socket to feed bothe lights).

 

[ConH85]

It’s a 32A ring main. Sorry, forgot to put that. I would put a 13A FCU in place of the single socket but if the fuse was to go it would be behind the panelling.

 

[Spoon]

It’s a 32A ring main. Sorry, forgot to put that. I would put a 13A FCU in place of the single socket but if the fuse was to go it would be behind the panelling.

Either way you need access to the socket or FCU. Just in case there is a fault in future and someone has to get to the area.
Don't hide it behind a panel.

 

[ConH85]

Ok thanks for the advice guys ?

 

[brianmoooore]

IF the existing socket has two cables coming into it, and these are confirmed by testing to be the two legs of a RFC, you could join a short length of 2.5mm2 T&E to them, using maintenance free joints only, you could then close in the front of the existing box with a blank plate, and feed the new cable to a fused connection unit mounted on the new panelling. This doesn't necessarily mean that it has to be mounted directly in front of the old socket, but it should be positioned so as the buried existing cables are still in safe zones, as defined in the regs. Mounting it in front of the old socket will ensure this, but there may be other places it can go as well.
You can wire your new sockets and lights from this fused connection unit, using appropriate sized T&E, once again ensuring it is fitted in the safe zones, if concealed.
As you can see, there's much more to this than you might think at first sight.

 

[ConH85]

IF the existing socket has two cables coming into it, and these are confirmed by testing to be the two legs of a RFC, you could join a short length of 2.5mm2 T&E to them, using maintenance free joints only, you could then close in the front of the existing box with a blank plate, and feed the new cable to a fused connection unit mounted on the new panelling. This doesn't necessarily mean that it has to be mounted directly in front of the old socket, but it should be positioned so as the buried existing cables are still in safe zones, as defined in the regs. Mounting it in front of the old socket will ensure this, but there may be other places it can go as well.
You can wire your new sockets and lights from this fused connection unit, using appropriate sized T&E, once again ensuring it is fitted in the safe zones, if concealed.
As you can see, there's much more to this than you might think at first sight.

Great idea. I do have a copy of the regs so I’ll have a look tomorrow. Thanks!