External Socket for mobility scooter

[johnthecandle]

HI can anyone assist please
I am not an electrician and am not going to do the work myself but I need to get someone to install an external socket for my mum to charge her scooter with.
The outside Sockets I have seen are too hard for her to open without help due to her disability, and I want her a s independent as possible.

1. Does anyone know of a 13A (single needed) socket IP rated rcd socket that is easy for someone to open with limited strength of the hand.

1. If not is it OK to fit a commando socket on a 13A spur , as they look easier to open the normal sockets. It will only be used for the scooter and the only reason to go to a 16A is to make it easy to plug in and out, but not sure of the legality of putting a 16A socket on a 13A spur.

Many thanks in advance

 

[J&M Electrical]

Where are you in the country? A commando socket will probably be harder to remove the plug than opening a normal socket. We are using some IP rated sockets that can be opened very easily. I'll see if i can find out what they are for you.

Found it for you.. BG Weatherproof Double Socket Switched - Electrics and Lighting

 

[plugsandsparks]

Hi John, what a cracking issue you have raised. I agree the the IP rated outside sockets are a devil to open even for me with gorilla hands, mostly when i go to properties i find that users do not shut them and just leave them down but not latched, obviously this misses the whole point of IP ratings. The commando socket i suspect will be a similar challenge but slightly easier as you can really get hold of it rather than fiddling with a latch.

Let us know if you find something suitable

 

[sedgy34]

if that is going to be more convenient have it done the commando socket will be fused down from the spur.

 

[KFH]

I have used Lewden 13A waterproof plug and sockets in the past with success. The cover unscrews and as long as the threads are clean there should be no problem. It takes a standard 13A plug but to keep watertight a proper Lewden plug with a screw top needs to be used. They are not cheap though.

 

[mogga]

the new masterseal sockets are "easier2 to open than the old ones having a small lever rather than having to squeeze the big part of the cover Commando sockets are tight as heck to remove Im assuming you have checked that the charging point of the scooter is IP rated for outside charging as the ones iv seen arent realy suitable

 

[johnthecandle]

the new masterseal sockets are "easier2 to open than the old ones having a small lever rather than having to squeeze the big part of the cover Commando sockets are tight as heck to remove Im assuming you have checked that the charging point of the scooter is IP rated for outside charging as the ones iv seen arent realy suitable

Thanks all for all your inputs, the charger on the scooter is not IP rated but will fit under the cover (the battery doesn’t come out). I was looking at this sort of thing which should be a lot easier to use than the IP66 MK plugs the sparky was suggesting
http://www.*************/p/mk-commando-interlocked-angled-socket-2p-e-16a-200-250v-ip44/40962
But just realized its IP44, i have only ever used IP66 , the socket is going outside under the eaves of a bungalow and can always build a rain cover / box , is that an issue with IP44
The main thing is to enable my mum (85+) to be able to charge on her own as she is too proud to ask for help so the scooter never gets charged so she never uses it.
Would really appreciate any comments

 

[Marvo]

I had a scratch around the web and this looks promising. I like the fact it's switched and it looks like the lid will close when the plug is in.

It also has an IP66 rating which should be adequate. If the lid is a bit fiddly then I'm sure you could retrofit it with a handle of some sort.

I would avoid commando plugs and sockets, I've seen grow men struggle with those things, I don't fancy your mom's chances to be honest.