Garage installation

[Dayday101]

Hi I was

 

[Dayday101]

Re: SWA cable installation to outside Garage

Looking to do the same but mine is a new build and was going to put Henley connector in and put new cu in garage approx 15m away. I was look to put in a full ring with 8 double sockets and a lighting circuit. Also a seperate fuse for a outside plug. Can you advise what size mm swa to go for? Many thanks

 

[Marvo]

Hi Dayday, welcome to the forum. I've made your two posts into a thread of your own. Do you have an electrical qualification?

 

[Dayday101]

Hi. I've got experience but no qualification my friend runs his own company and is doing the final install but I want to get the swa ran ready for him cos it on his job to do list to pop round sorta thing lol. I want it ready for him so I will speed up a lot. Thanks in advance.

 

[Marvo]

No probs, as you're not an electrician I'll put this in the DIY sub forum for you.

 

[Marvo]

Maybe you can give us more details. I'm wondering why you'd install 8 x double sockets in a garage for one.

You're going to need a substantial supply by the sound of it so you'll probably be better running a SWA cable from your CU. Do you know what earthing arrangement you have at the main CU? maybe you can post a couple of photos of the incoming DNO cable head and the CU.

 

[Octopus]

So you have a quailifed friend, so your best course of action is to consult him.

In the meantime start digging the trench, minimum depth 500mm as that will save time and money.

 

[Dayday101]

It is a new build house with meter and switch outside and was hoping to run a swa from the meter to Henley connector. So o didnt have to cut into new brick or drill through. The reason for so many plugs is a couple of power tools etc and a fridge freezer and the and the usual battery charges etc nothing to power consuming like welders or anything like that.

 

[GMES]

As Murdoch s aid consult your friend. He will be better suited to help you out, as i am guessing he knows the layout of your property, have a chat with him and tell him what kind of load you will be using. I am sure he will be telling you what cable he wants installing rather than the other way round.

 

[Dayday101]

Ok I didn't think I'd get an answer he is busy at mo been doing some big jobs and you know what mates are like when then say I will pop round soon lol. I will have to wait then.

 

[Guitarist]

The size of your cable will depend on the load required, so as already said, dig the trench and speak to your electrician.

 

[Dayday101]

Right then my mate never came round so had 2 electricians pop round, one who is working currently on site (new build) and guy who works at a specialist underground cable jointing place(don't quite know what this is) now they have quoted 2 things. One has said 2.5mm swa will be ok and the other said he would not use less than 6mm who do I trust? I plan to have a fridge, 2 fluorescents, and approx 8 double sockets scattered around (not all in use) and 2 outdoor security led lights, what would you guys recommend? He has also said he going to split the load at tails with a Henley block if this makes any difference. Comments appreciated....

 

[amlu]

dont really get that splitting with henley block... is he going to terminate swa in there? (not good!)
good option would be a separate rcbo installed in existing consumer unit plus a small cu in the garage with incomer and 2xmcb for socket and lights. rcbo will deal with the faults not tripping whole house down.

there is a choice of 2.5 cable on a 20amp breaker... that will do for lights, power tools, freezer etc.
may trip when freezer+kettle+couple of big halogen lights on at the same time.

go in the middle and stick a 4mm cable in there. not that expensive and can be upgraded to 32 amp if needed and not too long run.

 

[Octopus]

I'm not sure that a sparky has been round...... if they have YOU have to define the anticipated load them let them quote again.

 

[Dayday101]

A sparky hasn't been round 2 have. Then length is 20m run and both said they come of a spare in the existing cu but I asked if I can avoid that to save the drilling etc into my new wall and both said yes they will split into main of the tails. They have both quoted for 3core cable if this makes any difference and for me to run the cable and them to connect. I am on a budget so want to do as much as I can. But I'd rather be too secure than not enough. The box one has got me and I brought already is a metal clad 63a 30ma rcd Wylex with a 6a breaker for lights and a 16a for sockets so I can start the work in the garage hope this helps.

Murdoch - I am not asking to do this myself I rewired my hole old house 7 years ago and this was checked and fine so I am more than competent diyer. However am trying to save money as a new baby on the way so want to do this as cheap as possible but without cutting corners therefore asking for help( which I thought that is what this forum is for ) I am going to get all work signed of as it's a new build house etc. I don't understand why one said 2.5mm and one said 6mm the guy with a 2.5mm just wanted to come of a socket until I told him it wAs a spur...