UK DIYer Newbie - adding additional sockets

[alljohn]

Hi, Newbie here so please excuse any stupid questions. There is a single 2.5 T&E running from a dedicated connection on my "old type" fuse box (photo available if needed) in the garage to a single 2 gang 3 pin socket (approx 3 metres away) - there is no return cable. I'm wanting to add extra sockets - what options do I have?
Many thanks.

 

[ipf]

agreed on the RCD, but he’s not told us about the correct fuse. !

Try reading #5, maybe?

 

[ChrisElectrical88]

Pull that fuse out now!
Your 2.5 is only rated at 24A.

Why? It’s only feeding a twin socket so maximum it’s going to pull is 26A. Clipped direct it’s rated at 27A

 

[ipf]

Why? It’s only feeding a twin socket so maximum it’s going to pull is 26A. Clipped direct it’s rated at 27A

Fuses aren't just for overload protection, though....and who knows the state of the cable and socket.

 

[ChrisElectrical88]

Fuses aren't just for overload protection, though.

I know, but saying the cable will be overloaded is incorrect, unless he’s plugging in something that’s not designed for a 13A plug top.

 

[alljohn]

Please see https://ibb.co/n0Rd3ZH
I removed all four fuses (individually) and none of them affected the garage circuit - only removing the 45 amp right-hand fuse affects it.

 

[ipf]

I know, but saying the cable will be overloaded is incorrect, unless he’s plugging in something that’s not designed for a 13A plug top.

What if there's a circuit fault.......many a burnt up cable as a result. It's probably OK but who knows?

 

[westward10]

You’ve looked at the right hand fuse. That is usually a 45A fuse, so ignore the above.
show us a photo of under the left hand fuse cover. It will be one of these that controls the garage circuit. Tell us which of the fuses it is.
[automerge]1598288374[/automerge]


agreed on the RCD, but he’s not told us about the correct fuse. !

I did say assuming correct fuse and now it seems it is the 45A.

 

[ChrisElectrical88]

What if there's a circuit fault.......many a burnt up cable as a result. It's probably OK but who knows?

I’m not saying it’s right, I’m only questioning him saying it needs removing immediately which I disagree with.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Try reading #5, maybe?

Oh stupid me
[automerge]1598293185[/automerge]
@alljohn just a thought

when you remove the 45A fuse, is the garage the only thing that turns off?
What happens to the cooker?

When the cable comes in to the garage, does it go straight to the socket, or us there anything else connected before the socket?

 

[alljohn]

Oh stupid me
[automerge]1598293185[/automerge]
@alljohn just a thought

when you remove the 45A fuse, is the garage the only thing that turns off?
What happens to the cooker?

When the cable comes in to the garage, does it go straight to the socket, or us there anything else connected before the socket?

There is nothing between where the cable becomes visible (from behind the fuse box) and the socket. We have a gas cooker so I can't say but nothing in the house nor the garage lights are affected only the double socket.
Thanks

 

[Taylortwocities]

Ok. Your basic problem is that sockets, particularly additional sockets must be RCD protected. Your elderly fuse board has no RCD protection.
There is a way to do this, but you need a competent electrician to do this.

Your secondary problem is the fuse size. It’s too big for that single smallish cable. It’s tolerable because you only have a double socket on the end. Add more sockets and tthe cable could exceed its maximum current ceiling. The cable might overheat, and you don’t want that to happen. The circuit needs sorting out and the correct fuse used according to your expected load and the size of the cable. Again, this is a job for
a competent electrician.

 

[alljohn]

Sorry to labour the point but using a 13 Amp 2 Gang Double RCD Switched Socket such as:

13A 2 Gang RCD DP Switched Socket (Active) - White | Timeguard (RCD05WAVN)

be acceptable? Also what ampage should the replacement fuse be 20 or 30 or ?
Many thanks for your help.

 

[pc1966]

Is that fuse just for your sockets, or is it somehow feeding other stuff?

Looking at it from the outside, the new socket project has the look of a slow car-crash and really needs someone competent to take a closer look and check that the various fundamental safety aspects are really being met.

 

[alljohn]

Is that fuse just for your sockets, or is it somehow feeding other stuff?

Looking at it from the outside, the new socket project has the look of a slow car-crash and really needs someone competent to take a closer look and check that the various fundamental safety aspects are really being met.

It would be for the existing double socket (i.e. no additional sockets).

 

[Taylortwocities]

What’s happened to your original requirement?

I'm wanting to add extra sockets